Private Referrals

Referral to a private specialist

You do not need a GP referral to access private treatment. However, many private medical insurance companies require one, and it is best practice for your GP to provide this if they know your medical history. Please note that your GP will only refer you if they believe the referral or treatment is clinically appropriate. If you wish to proceed with a private referral, please let us know the name of the specialist and the hospital or clinic you will be attending so we can prepare the referral letter accordingly.

Tests and Investigations

Any tests or investigations recommended by your private consultant will need to be arranged and funded privately. NHS GP's are not responsible for organising these tests on behalf of private providers.

The results of these tests should be communicated to you directly by your consultant. Your GP may not have access to private test results and may be unable to interpret or act on them without formal correspondence from the consultant.

Prescriptions

If your private consultant recommends medication, they may write to your GP asking them to issue an NHS prescription. This can only happen once a formal letter is received and if your GP is clinically comfortable prescribing the medication.

In some cases, the drug may only be suitable under a Shared Care Agreement, which requires the private consultant to retain responsibility for your ongoing care and provide regular reviews.

If this monitoring stops, your GP may no longer be able to continue prescribing the medication safely.

Please be aware that:

• Your GP is not obliged to issue a prescription from a private consultant.
• They may be unable to do so if the medication is not appropriate, is outside their clinical expertise, or is not included in the local BSW prescribing formulary (e.g. classified as ‘red’ or not recommended for primary care use).

Fit Notes

If your private treatment affects your ability to work, your consultant should provide a fit note. GP's may not be able to issue a fit note for care they have not provided or overseen.

Transitioning to NHS Care

If your private consultant later agrees to take on your care within the NHS, they can refer you directly into the NHS system for continued treatment. You do not need to return to your GP for this referral. However, please note that being referred from private to NHS care does not allow you to bypass NHS waiting times — you will join the same queue as you would have if referred initially through the NHS.