Branchalwood Medical Practice are unable to issue letters/certificates stating patients are ‘fit to fly’.
Fitness to Fly certificates are not part of GMS contractual work and so GPs are under no obligation to issue them. Fitness to fly assessments can be complex and may require specialist training or knowledge especially when advising around patients with underlying chronic health conditions. GPs are not trained or indemnified to ascertain a patient’s fitness to fly and this does not come under the remit of General Medical Services contract.
There are specialist private clinics that can undertake these assessments and provide necessary certificates.
Airline Advice
Most airlines advise that “the expectant mother must provider them with a doctors certificate confirming their stage of pregnancy and that they are fit to fly”.It should be noted that “doctor” refers to ANY GMC registered doctor, which includes a GP, however, it also includes the obstetrician who is involved in the patients care. A specified hospital team is better placed to inform the airline of your condition. Pregnant women may be able to obtain the required paperwork from their obstetrician/midwife team.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority states:
‘Most airlines have medical advisors who advise and clear passengers as fit to fly. The final decision on whether or not to carry a passenger is that of the airline.
For further information, please see the health pages on the UK Civil Aviation Authority website – Health guidelines for air travel | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk).
