At Goring & Woodcote Medical Practice, we are committed to providing safe, high-quality care to all our patients. We would like to clarify our position regarding shared care agreements between GPs and consultant specialists, particularly in relation to the private sector.
Shared Care Policies Are Optional
NHS shared care policies are formal arrangements where the care of a patient is shared between a GP and a GMC registered consultant specialist. These agreements are reviewed by all clinicians involved, the local Integrated Care Board (ICB), Local Medical Committee (LMC) and huge care is taken to ensure they are robust with patient safety and care as the focus.
They are entirely optional and are entered into at the discretion of the GP practice. Our practice carefully considers each request for shared care, even on the NHS, to ensure it aligns with our capacity, expertise, and the best interests of our patients.
Please note, many NHS ‘Right to Choose’ providers do not offer a shared care policy that meets our local NHS required standards, so requests to share care may be rejected.
We do not participate in shared care arrangements with private providers.
NHS guidance states that private and NHS care should be kept as clearly separate as possible, so that funding, legal status, liability and accountability are appropriately defined, that the patient should bear the full costs of any private services, and that NHS resources should never be used to subsidise the use of private care.
Historically we had entered into some agreements with private providers. We will be contacting the small number of patients involved.
September 2024 – last updated