Shared Care Agreements

 

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Understanding Shared Care Agreements and Private Medical Care

At St Peter’s Street Medical Practice, we want to ensure our patients have a clear understanding of how shared care arrangements and private medical care work. Below, we’ve explained key points about these arrangements and recent updates to our policy.

 

What Are Shared Care Agreements?

A Shared Care Agreement is an arrangement between a Specialist service and your GP, where your GP takes on the responsibility for prescribing and monitoring medications that are typically initiated by a Specialist. This might occur after a diagnosis or treatment plan has been made by the Specialist.

Key points:

  • Shared care requires mutual agreement between the Specialist and the GP.
  • The Specialist remains ultimately responsible for your care.
  • Shared care is not part of a GP’s core NHS work and does not come with additional funding or resources.
 

Recent Changes to Shared Care Policy at St Peter’s Street

From 1st December 2024, we will no longer accept new Shared Care Agreements.

Why is this happening?

  • Increasing numbers of Shared Care requests have placed unsustainable pressure on our Practice, impacting our ability to provide core NHS services.
  • Without sufficient resources or support, we cannot ensure that patients under shared care are monitored to the highest safety standards.

What does this mean for you?

  • Existing Shared Care Agreements: If you already have a Shared Care Agreement with us, this will continue.
  • New Treatment Plans: If a Specialist starts you on a new treatment plan, the responsibility for prescribing and monitoring your medication will remain with the Specialist. This may mean follow-up appointments are arranged in hospital outpatient settings.

We are continuing to discuss our concerns with local NHS commissioners and will update patients if circumstances change.

 

What You Need to Know About Private Medical Care

Referrals to Private Specialists

  • You can self-refer for private treatment or request a referral from your GP.
  • GP referrals to private specialists are free and part of your NHS care.

Sharing Medical Information

  • You can share your medical records with private providers via the NHS app or request a medical summary from your GP (a fee may apply).

Tests and Investigations

  • GPs are not required to arrange or manage tests requested by private providers unless they are clinically necessary and form part of your NHS care.
  • Results of tests carried out privately remain the responsibility of the private provider.

Medications Prescribed by Private Providers

  • GPs may prescribe medications recommended by private providers if they are clinically appropriate and within NHS guidelines.
  • If your GP is unable to prescribe the medication, the responsibility will remain with the private provider.
 

Separation of Private and NHS Care

Private care is separate from NHS services to maintain fairness and clarity.

  • Patients cannot expect the NHS to cover the costs of private care, including tests, prescriptions, or follow-ups.
  • Private patients can transfer to NHS care at any time, but they will join the same waiting lists and care pathways as other NHS patients.
 

Commitment to Our Patients

Our priority is to deliver high-quality NHS care while ensuring fair and safe practice. We encourage you to discuss any concerns about shared care or private medical care with us. For more information, contact the Practice team or consult our website.

This policy is designed to balance patient safety, NHS resources, and the needs of our community. Thank you for your understanding.