The Covid pandemic has had a profound impact on healthcare in the UK, and a recent UK survey suggests that a third of adults have had an appointment with a private GP in the last three years.

With more than half of respondents considering going private for GP appointments, here’s what you need to know if you’re considering private treatment.

Why might I want a private GP appointment?

The survey revealed that the appeal of private medicine was being seen quickly and in person. With NHS GPs now regularly seeing at least 60 patients a day, according to recent figures, a private GP practice can offer longer consultations and more flexibility and deliver continuity of care.

“When balancing both NHS and private GP work, the difference was marked. In private practice, we can offer patients more time, resources, and access to specialist care,” Dr Caroline Wall explains.

Dr Fiona Payne agrees: “I still do one NHS morning session per week, and I might see patients for five minutes or so, and I will probably never see them again. I had a busy day yesterday here at GP London W1 and saw 13 patients all day.”

How do I get a private appointment?

Our private GP appointments are available either in-person or online, and most patients self-pay, although some health insurance policies may provide access to private GP services. Check the terms of your policy, as it will specify which providers are included and the number of appointments you’re entitled to.

How much will it cost?

How will my NHS care be affected if I pay for private treatment?

The guidance from the The Department of Health and Social Care states that your NHS care will always continue to be free of charge, and your position on an NHS waiting list should not be affected if you choose to have a private consultation.

We advise all our patients to remain registered with their NHS GP should you need to revert to their care down the line.

Can I get an NHS prescription after a private diagnosis?

Private prescriptions cannot be transferred to an NHS prescription. However, most NHS GPs are receptive to taking over subsequent medication prescribing if they are satisfied that the diagnosis and treatment plan is appropriate.

Next steps

“I believe we’re offering NHS medicine with time,” Dr Justine Setchell concludes. “We do everything our NHS colleagues do but have bought our patients and us time.”

Whatever your health concern, from small to large, GP London W1 will deliver the same service, following NICE guidelines and only offering evidence-based medicine. Call  +44 (0)20 4580 1152  to arrange a private GP appointment.

As this week is both International Men’s Health Week and Diabetes Week in the UK, organisations are urging men to understand their diabetes risk and what steps they can take to prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.

Recent figures released by Diabetes UK show that the number of people living with diabetes in this country has topped five million for the first time and that middle-aged men are twice as likely to have diabetes as women.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic, sometimes life-threatening disease related to the hormone known as insulin. Usually, insulin regulates your sugar levels effectively, keeping them in a healthy range. Patients with diabetes have excess sugar levels in their bloodstream with severe consequences.

There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. The first is an autoimmune condition in which the body destroys the cells which produce insulin and is usually first diagnosed in childhood.

In Type 2 diabetes, the body either stops making insulin or becomes less sensitive to its effects. Approximately 90% of diagnoses are of type 2 diabetes, and it is estimated that one in 10 men will develop the condition.

What are the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes?

Risk factors include:

• Obesity is thought to account for almost 85% of the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes
• Family history
• Some racial groups are at greater risk of developing diabetes
• Age – you are more at risk over the age of 40
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

It’s suspected that the reason why men are more prone to developing Type 2 diabetes is the way fat is distributed differently. Men tend to gain weight around the tummy, whereas women generally lay down fat around their hips and bottom.

Abdominal fat causes fat cells to release inflammatory chemicals, which affect how the body responds to insulin. Studies have shown that even at comparable BMIs, men are less sensitive to the effect of insulin. So, unfortunately, men are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes at a lower weight than women.

Can I reduce my risk of developing Type 2 diabetes?

The research also found that lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of diabetes by about 40% and prevent about four high-risk individuals in 100 developing Type 2 diabetes each year.

Next steps

Understanding diabetes risks also means being aware of the symptoms. Fatigue, unintended weight loss, feeling thirsty or needing to pass urine all the time, and frequent infections are signs of developing diabetes.

If left untreated or uncontrolled for an extended period, high sugar levels in the bloodstream cause damage to the heart, the kidneys, and the eyes and put you at greater risk of developing high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of diabetes, arrange an appointment with your GP as soon as possible for speedy diagnosis and management. For advice and support to reduce the risk of developing diabetes, get in touch to organise a GP Consultation or a Well Man Screening, where we will screen for diabetes and other serious health concerns. Please call +44 (0)20 4580 1152 to make an appointment.

Temperatures are rising, and the UK’s first proper heatwave is on the way, borne by a European heat plume. Sun safety is May’s focus, and this year the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) is tackling the misconception that sun protection is rarely needed in the UK.

Sun safety in the UK

According to a recent poll by YouGov on behalf of BAD, 40% of people in the UK reported at least one case of sunburn in 2022. Last summer, we saw the country’s highest recorded temperature, and most days reached a UV index of at least 3. Yet, worryingly, more than half of people under 35 confessed to ignoring sun safety warnings.

Our notoriously inclement climate means that Brits love taking advantage of sunny weather, and the survey also found that 76% said they soaked up the rays on a sunny day, and 12% went without any form of sun protection.

Tips for staying sun safe include:

• Cover as much skin as possible, particularly the shoulders, which burn easily. Consider wearing a hat with a wide brim to protect the head, face, ears and neck.
• Sunglasses are a must, as UV radiation can also damage the eyes. Sunglasses with UV400 protection can filter out up to 99% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Use sunscreen – a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF30 or higher should be applied at least 30 minutes before going into the sun and then reapplied at least every two hours.
• Seek shade to protect yourself from the sun, particularly between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun is strongest. Although it is important to note that UV radiation can reflect off surfaces like sand, concrete or water, meaning shade doesn’t always prevent sunburn.

Skin checks at GP London W1

The good news is that most cases of skin cancer can be cured if they are detected and treated early enough. Regularly check your skin for any moles or marks that are new or are changing and make an appointment with your GP if you notice anything that is a cause for concern.

At GP London W1, we offer skin checks as part of our executive medicals. We work closely with trusted dermatology colleagues who can provide mole mapping or MOHS surgery for abnormal lesions.

To arrange an appointment, call +44 (0)20 4580 1152 or email [email protected].

Healthcare is changing rapidly in the UK, and nowhere is this more evident than in your local general practice. In a trend that was accelerated during the pandemic, the traditional relationship between the patient and their doctor, which is built on trust, respect and ongoing communication, has transformed as many patients will no longer see the same doctor from one visit to the next.

This loss of continuity of care can be highly detrimental to the patient, which research has borne out. Recent studies have even shed light on the correlation between an ongoing relationship with your GP and lower mortality rates.

The benefits of a long-term relationship with your GP

Establishing a long-term relationship with your GP is more than just a matter of convenience. It can lead to better health outcomes and even contribute to a longer life.

Improved understanding of medical history

When you have a dedicated GP, they become well-acquainted with your medical history, allowing them to make informed decisions and recommendations tailored to your unique needs. They can quickly identify patterns or recognise anomalies that need further investigation. This familiarity can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better care overall.

This even extends to the specialist referrals we make at GP London W1. “We can offer our patients access to all the top consultants in London,” Dr Justine Setchell explains. “But, even more importantly, our knowledge of the patient means we know who is the consultant that will suit them best.”

Enhanced trust and communication

A robust doctor-patient bond built over time fosters trust and open communication. Patients are more likely to discuss sensitive issues, adhere to treatment plans, and share valuable information about their health, leading to better outcomes in the long run.

Lower mortality rates

A study published in the British Journal of General Practice revealed that patients with increased continuity of GP care had a lower mortality risk. Individuals who had seen the same GP for more than 15 years had a 25% lower risk of death than those who saw a new doctor in the first year. They also had a lower risk of needing acute care or hospitalisation.

This confirmed the findings of a UK study from researchers at Exeter University medical school. Data from nine countries, all with different health systems, was analysed and found that patients who saw the same doctor had lower death rates.

This highlights the importance of a stable, ongoing relationship with your GP in promoting overall wellbeing and longevity, as patients are more likely to follow medical advice, particularly regarding recommended lifestyle changes.

In conclusion, it’s essential to prioritise continuity of care to ensure the best possible healthcare experience and overall wellbeing. At GP London W1, we offer patients access to their dedicated GP. However, one of the strengths of our practice is our joined-up approach. As Dr Caroline Wall explains: “We are a very close-knit team which can only benefit our patients. Our approach to medicine is the same, and we constantly share ideas or ask each other for advice. Our patients know that they will receive the same level of care whoever they see.”

To arrange a consultation at GP London W1, call +44 (0)20 4580 1152 or email us on [email protected].