We are aware that given current NHS wait times, some of our patients opt to see a private doctor. This statement clarifies our position on prescriptions. 

If you are seen privately by a doctor for a single episode of care any short-term medication required should be paid for by the patient as part of that package of care, e.g. if a patient has a private hip replacement- painkillers, blood thinners and antibiotics required as a result of the operation should be prescribed by the private provider.  

A private consultation may identify a long-term condition which needs medication. If you ask us to take over prescribing of a medication recommended by a private doctor, we will need to be satisfied that prescribing is appropriate, responsible and what we would prescribe for other NHS patients with the same diagnosis. Whenever we prescribe medicine for you we are taking full responsibility for your care, even if the medicine is recommended for you by another doctor. 

Therefore we will not prescribe medication if: 

• We have not received adequate communication from the private doctor to explain the reasons you need the medicine and that they have discussed the safety of the medication
• The medication is not prescribed on the NHS
• The medication is only suitable for specialist-only prescribing and we do not have the specialist expertise to safely monitor the medication
• The use of the medication is not compatible with national or local prescribing guidelines 
• The medication is not licenced in the UK or is being used for a purpose not included in its UK licence and the prescriber is not competent to prescribe outside of this licence
• We do not believe the medication is appropriate or necessary for you

At Maple Surgery we prescribe in line with the local formulary, which can be found here:

https://www.cpics.org.uk/cambridgeshire-and-peterborough-formulary

Please note that the above points apply for other NHS doctors (e.g hospital specialists) asking GPs to take over prescribing of a medication.  

Shared care arrangements are where the prescribing of specialist medication is taken on by GPs for the convenience of patients. These arrangements are often used for complex medications which require regular monitoring and specialist expertise. We are not able to accept shared care arrangements with private providers.

The above ensures patient safety when prescribing and are essential safeguards for us as doctors and prescribers. The General Medical Council advises us in “Duties of a Doctor” to prescribe in the best interest of the patient and only within our level of competence. 

It is important to consider all potential costs when accessing a private consultant and this includes medication costs. If the medication applies to one of the above categories, you should speak to your private doctor to decide what to do next. You retain the option of a private prescription through your private doctor. Or, we would be happy to facilitate a referral to an NHS specialist if your medication is specialist-only.  

Further information is available from:  

British Medical Association Ethics Committee May 2009: The interface between NHS and private treatment: a practical guide for doctors in England, Wales and Northern Ireland http://bma.org.uk/practical-support-at-work 

Department of Health March 2009: Guidance on NHS patients who wish to pay for additional private care. 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/404423/patients-add-priv-care.pdf  

General Medical Council April 2021: Good practice in prescribing and managing medicines and devices  

https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/good-practice-in-prescribing-and-managing-medicines-and-devices  

Maple Surgery Policy on Prescriptions from Private Doctors July 2023