Please be aware that while we are happy to provide a private referral letter when clinically appropriate, this does not guarantee that the practice will be able to undertake any investigations, prescriptions, monitoring, or follow-up actions recommended by the private specialist.
The British Medical Association (BMA) advises that patients may choose to seek private healthcare and may be referred by their GP where appropriate. However, any requests made to the GP practice by a private provider must be considered in line with NHS contractual responsibilities, local NHS policies, prescribing guidance, available resources, and the GP’s clinical judgement. [bma.org.uk], [bma.org.uk]
In particular:
- The practice is not obliged to arrange investigations or tests requested solely by a private provider. These will only be undertaken where the GP considers them clinically appropriate and is willing and able to take responsibility for the patient’s care. [bma.org.uk]
- The practice is not obliged to prescribe medications recommended by a private specialist. Any prescribing request will be reviewed against NHS prescribing policies, local formularies, and the GP’s clinical responsibility for the patient’s ongoing care. [bma.org.uk], FINAL-SEL-Primary-Care-and-Private-Interface-Prescribing-Guide-Jan-2025.pdf
- Shared-care prescribing arrangements are voluntary and may be declined where the practice does not have the capacity, expertise, support arrangements, or commissioning framework required to provide safe ongoing care. [bma.org.uk]
- Ongoing monitoring, investigations, prescriptions, and follow-up recommended by a private specialist may need to remain under the responsibility of the private provider. [bma.org.uk], [bma.org.uk]
Patients considering private treatment are therefore advised to discuss any likely ongoing treatment requirements, monitoring arrangements, and associated costs directly with their private specialist before proceeding.