Welcome to Drayton Medical Practice

& Primary Care Centre

Private Shared Care Agreements

An increasing number of patients are resorting to seeking private health care to manage their symptoms, given the length of NHS waiting lists.

Sometimes, patient care is shared between a specialist and a GP, and there is a formal ‘shared care agreement’ that sets out the responsibilities of each party. Such agreements usually require the GP to arrange prescriptions and investigations once the patient’s condition is stable, with the specialist overseeing/guiding management accordingly.

All shared care agreements are voluntary, and GPs have no obligation to accept such an invitation from a specialist.

The British Medical Association advised that Share Care with private providers is not recommended due to the general NHS constitution principles of keeping as clear a separation as possible between private and NHS care.

We worry that private providers may not adhere to the same safety standards as NHS providers, and problems can emerge if private providers discharge patients who require an ongoing prescription that requires specialist monitoring/review, or the patient decides to stop paying to see the private specialist.

Our role is to provide NHS care, not to support private services.

Therefore, in keeping with many other GP surgeries, we have decided not to engage with future private shared care agreements and so will not be prescribing new specialist medications in such situations.

Out of Hours and Emergencies

111 is the NHS non-emergency number. It’s fast, easy and free. Call 111 and speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. They will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

Serious Medical Emergencies

Patients requiring stitches, or with suspected broken bones, are advised to go directly to the A&E department at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital (Telford) or the nearest A&E department.

If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, please dial 999

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