Beith Health Centre Policy on Prescriptions from private clinics

Given current NHS wait times, increasing numbers of our patients are understandably opting to consult within the private sector. This statement clarifies our position on the issuing of prescriptions arising from such consultations.

If you are seen privately 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 clinician, 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 clinician. Usual turnaround times for requested prescriptions, currently 7 days, apply.

We will not prescribe medication in the following circumstances: 

  • We have not received adequate communication from the private clinician to explain the reasons you need the medicine and that they have discussed the safety of the medication with you. 
  • The medication is not prescribable on the NHS.
  • 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.
  • We do not believe the medication is appropriate or necessary for you.  
  • We do not believe that the private clinician is fully aware of your medical and/or medication history.
  • The medication is suitable for specialist-only prescribing and we do not have the expertise to safely monitor the medication. Examples of this are ADHD medications, certain specialist cardiac medications, isotretinoin for acne treatment, mood stabilisers and anti-psychotic medications, anti-depressants in under 18s, puberty blockers, gender affirming hormone therapy, immunosuppressants and chemotherapy.

Please note that the same rules apply for other NHS doctors (e.g hospital specialists) asking GPs to take over prescribing of a medication.  Some of the specialist medicines listed above may be prescribed by us following recommendations by an NHS clinician only where prior arrangements exist with explicit monitoring parameters. This is known as a shared care agreement. Such agreements do not exist with the private sector.

The above are essential safeguards for us as 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 that patients consider all potential costs when accessing a private consultation, and are aware that this may include medication costs. If the medication applies to one of the above categories, you should speak to your private clinic to decide what to do next. You retain the option of a private prescription through your private clinician or we would be happy to facilitate a referral to an NHS specialist where appropriate.