Private GP

What Are Private GP Services?

Private GP services provide direct access to experienced doctors outside the NHS system, offering the flexibility, time, and convenience that modern healthcare demands. Unlike traditional NHS appointments, private GP consultations give you immediate access to qualified doctors, longer consultation times, and the ability to address multiple health concerns in one visit. With NHS GP appointments typically lasting just 10 minutes¹, you’re likely to cover more in your private appointment.

Our experienced private GPs in Leeds and Sheffield prioritise your health and convenience. From dealing with acute illness, managing chronic conditions, or seeking preventive care, our doctors provide the comprehensive attention your health deserves.

Recent research indicates that patients with access to timely primary healthcare experience better health outcomes and a reduced likelihood of emergency treatments later on². Our private GP services ensure you receive care when you need it, not when the system can accommodate you.

How Private GP Services Work

When you book with one of our private GPs, you're choosing a healthcare experience designed around your needs. Your consultation begins with a comprehensive discussion of your current health, medical history, and any symptoms you are experiencing. Our doctors take the time to understand not just your immediate health needs, but also your lifestyle, work commitments, and health goals.

During your appointment, our private GPs conduct thorough examinations, discuss treatment options in detail, and develop personalised care plans that work for your specific situation. If you need diagnostic tests, our GPs can arrange blood tests, coordinate with our on-site scanning services, or refer you to specialist consultants within the LivingCare network.

The integrated nature of our services means that if you need an MRI scan, endoscopy procedure, or specialist consultation, your private GP can arrange these services seamlessly, often with appointments available within days rather than weeks.

What Can Private GP Services Help With?

Our private GPs in Leeds and Sheffield offer you comprehensive medical care. We assist patients with acute illnesses, such as infections, respiratory conditions, and digestive issues, that require prompt attention and expert treatment.

For those managing chronic conditions, our private GPs offer ongoing care for diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and other long-term health conditions. This includes medication reviews, monitoring, and coordination with specialist services when needed. Many patients find that the flexibility and accessibility of private GP care make managing chronic conditions much more convenient and practical.

Our doctors also specialise in preventive healthcare. That means we offer comprehensive health assessments, screening discussions, and lifestyle advice. We can provide travel health consultations, occupational health assessments, and health screening services that give you peace of mind about your wellbeing.

For skin conditions, mental health concerns, or complex symptoms that require specialist input, our private GPs provide expert assessment and fast-track referrals to appropriate specialists, ensuring you receive the proper care without unnecessary delays.

What to Expect During Your Private GP Appointment

Before Your Appointment

When you book your private GP appointment, our team will ask about your main health concerns and any urgent symptoms. This helps ensure your doctor is prepared for your consultation and can allocate appropriate time for your needs.

You don't need to bring anything specific unless you have recent test results, medication lists, or relevant medical documents you'd like to discuss. Our doctors can access previous consultations within the LivingCare system and coordinate with your NHS GP when necessary.

During Your Appointment

Your private GP consultation typically lasts 20-30 minutes, which allows you plenty of time to talk about your health concerns thoroughly without feeling rushed. Your doctor takes a detailed medical history, performs any necessary examinations, and discusses treatment options with you in detail.

Prescriptions, blood tests, or referrals to specialists are arranged during your appointment. Our private GPs can provide sick notes, medical certificates, and other documentation you might need for work or insurance purposes.

After Your Appointment

Following your consultation, you'll receive clear information about your diagnosis, treatment plan, and any follow-up care needed. If medications are prescribed, you can collect these from our pharmacy or have them sent to your local pharmacy.

Your private GP will coordinate any additional services you need, whether that's booking diagnostic tests, arranging specialist referrals, or scheduling follow-up appointments. All relevant information can be shared with your NHS GP to ensure continuity of care.

Benefits of Choosing LivingCare Private GP Services

Private GP services at LivingCare offer significant advantages over traditional NHS primary care. You'll have access to same-day appointments for urgent concerns, the ability to book routine appointments at times that suit your schedule, and consultations that give you time to discuss your health properly.

We can deliver quick, efficient referrals to specialists, diagnostic tests, and procedures. That means the potential for faster diagnoses, more timely treatments, and improved overall health outcomes.

The convenience and accessibility of our private GP services mean you can address health concerns before they become serious problems, maintain better management of chronic conditions, and access preventive care that supports your long-term wellbeing.

References

British Medical Association - General Practice in the UK

NHS England - Primary Care Services

Royal College of General Practitioners

¹
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/nhs-app-help-and-support/appointments-and-online-consultations-in-the-nhs-app/gp-surgery-appointments/

²
A study conducted in Greater Manchester, England, found that primary care practices offering extended access—including evening and weekend appointments—experienced a 26.4% relative reduction in patient-initiated emergency department visits for minor issues

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