NHS Care and Private Treatment: What Patients Need to Know

We understand that some patients may choose to have some or all of their care privately, and we fully support your right to do so.

To avoid misunderstandings, this guide explains how NHS services and General Practice work alongside private providers, and what you can expect if you decide to see a consultant privately.

Key Principles

• Your NHS care remains free – You will never be asked to pay for NHS treatment, except for standard charges such as prescription fees.
• No NHS subsidies for private care – The NHS cannot pay for or reduce the cost of private treatment.
• Clear separation between NHS and private treatment – You cannot mix parts of the same treatment across NHS and private care.
• Your NHS waiting list place will not be affected – Choosing a private consultation does not move you up or down the NHS list.

What Do I Need to Do?

Do I need a GP referral for private treatment?

• You can see a private consultant without a GP referral, although many services prefer one.
• The British Medical Association (BMA) recommends a GP referral, so that whoever is caring for you has all the necessary details for safe treatment.

For patients with health insurance (e.g. Bupa)

• If your GP agrees a referral is appropriate, they will provide a letter including your relevant medical details.
• Please wait until you have the referral letter before booking your private appointment, as it helps the consultant understand your health background.
• Some insurance forms may require additional paperwork, which may carry a charge.

For patients without health insurance

• You can book directly with a private clinic without needing a GP letter.
• Contact the consultant’s team, your private hospital, or insurance company to arrange appointments and ask questions directly.

Seeing a Consultant Privately

Can I mix NHS and private care for the same condition?

No. You cannot have part of one treatment privately and another part on the NHS.

What happens after the consultation?

• Your private consultant should send a letter to both you and your GP, summarising the appointment and any recommended treatment or tests.
• Tests and procedures are normally arranged privately by your consultant.
• Please do not contact your GP practice for test results ordered privately – your consultant is responsible for explaining them.

What happens if I need a test or procedure?

If your consultant recommends a test, scan, or surgery, they are responsible for:

• Arranging the test and any medication needed beforehand.
• Informing you of the date and process.
• Providing you with the results and explaining them.

These will usually need to be arranged privately.

What happens if I develop complications?

Non-emergency complications arising from your private care should be managed by your private provider. NHS emergency care will, of course, always be available.

Prescriptions and Medicines

What if I need new medicines?

• Private consultants may recommend new medication or changes to your current treatment. These must usually be prescribed privately.
• Private hospitals often have pharmacies on-site, and online consultations can arrange home delivery.
• If you take a private prescription to an NHS pharmacy, you will pay the full cost of the drug, not the NHS standard prescription charge.

Please allow up to 7 days for your GP practice to receive and review correspondence from your consultant before contacting us.

Why won’t my GP always prescribe medicines from a private consultant?

There are several reasons:

• NHS and private treatment cannot be mixed for the same episode of care.
• If long-term medication is recommended, your GP may be able to take over prescribing once you are stable.
• Some medicines require a Shared Care Agreement between your consultant and GP. If this is not in place, or the drug is not on the approved shared care list, your GP cannot prescribe it.

Freshney Pelham PCN Prescribing Policy

Our priority is safe and effective prescribing. GPs are limited by the NHS Formulary – an approved list of medicines:

• Green medicines – safe for GPs to prescribe.
• Amber medicines – must be started and monitored by a hospital doctor.
• Red medicines – not recommended as safe or effective.

We may not be able to issue NHS prescriptions if:

• The medication is experimental, outside its licensed use, or not recommended on the formulary.
• It requires specialist monitoring without a Shared Care Agreement.
• It is not routinely available on the NHS.

Examples include disease-modifying drugs, IVF medications, and ADHD treatments.

In these cases, you can still obtain the medicine via a private prescription from your consultant, but we recommend checking the cost and monitoring requirements before starting treatment.

Returning to NHS Care

If after private treatment you wish to return to NHS care, you are entitled to do so. Ideally, your private consultant should arrange the transfer directly by writing to the NHS Hospital Department. If this is not possible, please request that your consultant sends a letter to the practice to initiate the transfer.

Final Thoughts

• Your NHS care will always remain free.
• Private care is your choice, but NHS and private care must stay separate.
• Always discuss your options with your GP so your care is safe, coordinated, and meets NHS guidelines.