Doctor''s Letter for School

James, I think you''re right to be concerned and from what you''ve described, don''t think your son has been treated appropriately. A diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis would be reasonable for illness that lasts a week to 10 days, but in our Practice a stool sample would be advised after just a few days of continued illness, and a urine sample at the initial consultation. Bloods would come later if the stool sample was negative.

Given the situation, I would recommend a written complaint to the Practice Manager who must respond within a short time frame. If you don''t get a satisfactory explanation then write to your local PALS.

As a PS, GP''s are entitled to charge for what they call ''non GMS'' work, but the charges vary and are set at the Practices discretion. For example we charge between £12 and £24 for a letter depending on length and work involved.