Nuffield Health Launches Private GP Service in Newcastle

Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital has announced it is launching a private GP service, providing doctors’ consultations to those who may struggle to access regular GP appointments.

The service will be available to anyone and accessed on a pay-as-you-go basis, with appointments available at evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.

It is thought the private appointments will prove popular with those working and living in and around Newcastle who may struggle to access other medical services at short notice, or find it hard to fit appointments around work.

Nuffield Health GP Liaison Manager Beth Brook said: “We know from talking to patients at the hospital that many struggle to access their regular GP and were looking for a flexible service which they could fit around their busy lives.

“The NHS provides a fantastic service but we know that there can be long waiting times and appointments have to be kept fairly short due to pressures on resources. Our new service will provide an alternative for those who don’t want to wait to see their regular GP or who want an appointment outside of normal practice hours.

“Our appointments will also be longer than average GP appointments – around 30 minutes – meaning they are perfect for patients looking for a more extensive consultation or who have a number of issues they wish to discuss at once.

“We know that life is busy and we see this new service as complimenting existing NHS provision by offering an alternative for those patients who may otherwise put off seeing a doctor, or have to take time off work to do so.”

There will initially be three GPs providing appointments at Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital, with others expected to join as the service grows.

An advantage of the service being based within the hospital is that any investigations needed, such as blood tests or x-rays, can also be carried out at the time of the GP consultation, or the following day. It also means referrals to other specialists within the hospital can be done more quickly.