Q: How does Private GP Service benefit people?
A: The service is patient-centred with all of our energies focussed on providing the patient with the best possible service and experience during their visit. Benefits include “same day” appointments whether it be early morning, evening or weekend, a choice of male or female GPs, unhurried consultations with the patient having as much time as they need and want rather than the standard 10 minute slot, numerous on-site facilities including a pharmacy, phlebotomy, physiotherapy and radiology as well as the support of more than a hundred consultants. Patients value the fact they can have all of their care provided by the same team on one site close to home, reducing stress, travel time and parking issues.
Q: What type of people benefit?
A: The service is flexible and is used by a range of patients including the busy professional or business client, foreign visitors, patients with minor injuries who wish to avoid casualty, patients who have yet to register with a local NHS GP, patients requesting a second opinion as well as the more traditional general practice patient who wishes to see a doctor quickly and without fuss.
Q: Do people use the service any differently because there is a cost attached to it?
A: Although it is clear from patient feedback that the patient-centred approach is popular, the service is generally used on an ad hoc basis when convenience is an issue or to complement local NHS services rather than to replace them. The cost attached will understandably be an issue for some patients who would otherwise wish to use the service on a more regular basis.
Q: Is the longer consultation time better?
A: Absolutely! Longer consultation times benefit both patient and clinician. It enables the General Practitioner to really listen, engage with the patient, carry out a thorough assessment, answer questions, provide feedback and formulate a management plan. Often patients present are not able to identify the important features of their symptoms. A longer consultation allows the doctor to fully get to grips with the presenting features. All of this is done with the patient’s full participation.
Q: Does it change the way people receive treatment?
A: A definite yes. The vast majority of GPs, whether in the NHS or independent sector, strive to provide the best possible care. However the reality is that the public sector, despite its best intentions, has to contend with ever increasing demands with finite resources that are already stretched. It is certainly easier for an independent General Practitioner to treat patients in the manner that is expected by both the modern patient and the GMC as outlined in its Good Medical Practice guidelines.
Q. How do I book a consultation?
A. If you’re looking to book a consultation for Private GP Services at Gosforth Medical Centre, Please contact Reception at the Gosforth Medical Centre on 0191 284 1355 or email info@gosforthmedicalcentre.co.uk