Practice Policy on Private Medical Care
Published: 1 July 2025 · Practice newsWe are aware that with NHS waiting lists being lengthy at present, many patients are choosing to arrange consultations with private specialists, sometimes without our knowledge or recommendation. Whilst we understand why you may wish to do this, it is important that you are aware that your GP surgery may not necessarily be able to follow privately made recommendations with NHS investigations or prescriptions.
As non-specialists, we are not always able to prescribe medications and monitor conditions that would ordinarily be prescribed or overseen by an NHS specialist. There are existing arrangements between us and NHS clinics to cover suchscenarios. We do not have similar arrangements with private clinics. Please be aware that if a private clinic recommends specialist-only medications they will need to organise prescriptions themselves, and undertake any necessary monitoring, at least until dosages have been stabilised. Beyond this period, if you do wish us to undertake NHS prescribing then this can only be done under specific circumstances:
- Your private care must be provided by a Consultant registered with the GMC.
- Your assessments should have been conducted face to face
- All aspects of any shared care agreement should be comparable with that which the NHS would offer for the same treatment.
If you feel this applies to you, please make a routine appointment with your usual GP to discuss further.
We do not recommend that any of our patients seek healthcare abroad, including surgery. We are unable to support overseas treatment with any blood tests, wound care, or ongoing monitoring - this would all need to be undertaken by a private provider locally. We cannot organise this on your behalf and are unable to recommend specific private providers.
Our policy is in place to ensure that you are receiving safe and appropriate care when seeking private treatment. We are grateful for your understanding.
Updated June 2025