What happens if you choose to avail of a consultation with a private Consultant?
You must arrange your own private appointment. You may be asked to seek a private referral letter from your GP, outlining your conditions. We are happy to provide, with notice, once you have discussed this with a GP during a routine appointment.
What happens if the private Consultant says you need tests or procedures?
If the private Consultant advises that you need tests or procedures carried out, the Consultant is responsible for:
1. Arranging the test and prescribing any medications you may require
2. Providing you with the test results and action plan. You should not contact your GP to discuss the results of tests, (including those carried out under an NHS clinic)
organised by a third party. The requester is responsible for discussing the outcome with you.
3. All tests, including blood tests the Consultant suggests, must be carried out by them - please be aware that any tests carried out will incur a fee, payable to the
private Consultant/clinic. Your GP Surgery cannot perform tests or investigations using NHS resources.
4 If the Consultant asks you to contact your GP to arrange or discuss test results, please be aware that this is not the responsibility of the GP's and you will be advised to go back to the private Consultant.
What happens if you need new medication as a result of your appointment with the private Consultant?
If the private Consultant decides you need new medication, or a change in dose to your current medication, the Consultant will be responsible for either providing a detailed treatment advice slip for you to bring to your GP, or a prescription for you to take to a pharmacy. If your GP is able to provide a prescription and the medication falls under the prescribing rules of the NHS, it can take up to 48 hours to process.
What if the Consultant suggests you start on medication which does not fall under NHS prescribing rules, such as some Amber List Drugs, which require frequent monitoring tests (E.g. ADHD drugs)?
On occasion private Consultants suggest starting medication which is not normally prescribed in the NHS by a GP and requires frequent monitoring and review. This practice does not issue medication on the Amber drug list, following a recommendation from a private Consultant or an on-line private clinic. Your GP will direct you back to the private Consultant as private care must cover all aspects of treatment, including the safe prescribing of medication. Please be aware that the NHS Shared Care Guidelines do not translate over to the private sector.
What if you go abroad to seek private treatment or surgical procedures (such as obesity surgery)?
The Department of Health Policy in relation to individuals availing of private healthcare outside of Northern Ireland, states that the individual must ensure that all pre and post treatment costs are included in the overall package or care, procured from the private healthcare provider. In any such circumstances, an individual will not be entitled to pre or post treatment support from Primary or Secondary care services in Northern Ireland. In line with normal practice, patients will be able to access emergency care where necessary.