Private Healthcare and NHS Service
We would like to provide some clarification to ensure you have a clear understanding of the differences between NHS services and private healthcare, and how this may affect any tests, referrals or treatments you choose to arrange privately.
Using Private Healthcare
Patients are free to access private healthcare alongside their NHS care. However, it is important to note that:
– Private healthcare is separate from NHS services;
– Any investigations, blood tests, prescriptions, or referrals arranged privately cannot be transferred to, or processed by, the NHS;
– Private specialists are responsible for arranging and interpreting their own tests, investigations, and follow‑up care, which will not routinely be done by your GP.
This means that if a private clinician requests blood tests, scans, or other investigations, these must be completed privately and at your own cost. The NHS cannot carry out privately requested tests.
Results from Private Providers
Please be aware:
– Results from private tests will not be returned to the NHS or to GP practice automatically;
– You are responsible for ensuring that any private clinician managing your care receives your private results;
– If you would like the NHS to take over your ongoing care after a private consultation, the private clinician must provide a clear clinical letter with their assessment and recommendations, and you are responsible for ensuring this letter reaches the practice.
NHS Care Following Private Treatment
The NHS will always provide urgent or essential care based on clinical need. However:
– The private provider/practitioner has a duty of care to always write to us, as your GP practice to inform us of your private consultations;
– Routine follow‑up or ongoing management recommended by a private clinician may need to be reviewed by an NHS GP before it can be accepted locally;
– The NHS cannot guarantee that we will be able to continue private treatment plans or prescriptions unless they follow local NHS clinical guidelines.
If You Are Considering Private Care
We recommend that you:
- Confirm with the private provider all costs, including tests, follow‑ups, and prescriptions that are likely to be incurred for the FULL course of the treatment;
- Check whether you need copies of your test results or letters for your own records;
- Ensure the private consultant sends us a detailed report if you would like NHS involvement after your private appointment.
