In most cases, you do not need a GP referral to access private healthcare services. This depends on the treatment you require, the provider you choose, and the terms of your private health insurance.
We do not recommend or endorse specific private providers. It is your responsibility to make an informed choice.
If your provider or insurance policy requires a GP referral, you will need a GP appointment. If the GP agrees to the referral, the surgery will issue a referral letter for collection, free of charge. You will then need to provide this letter to the requesting provider.
Please note: GPs are under no professional or contractual obligation to complete referral proformas for any hospital, organisation, or provider (NHS or private). We will not complete private referral proformas under any circumstances.
Following treatment, it is the responsibility of the clinician or organisation making the referral to provide results. If your referral was made by us, we will ensure results are received. Otherwise, you must obtain these directly from your provider.
NHS guidance states that private and NHS care should remain clearly separate. This ensures that funding, legal status, liability, and accountability are properly defined. Patients are expected to bear the full costs of private services, and NHS resources must not be used to subsidise private care.
If you choose to have non-emergency private treatment abroad, it is your responsibility to arrange translation of any documentation and to provide copies if you wish these to be added to your NHS record.