Policy on Shared Care with Private Providers

• This policy outlines the stance of The Royal Well Surgery entering into shared care arrangements with private healthcare providers. Our primary aim is to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality care to our patients within the constraints of our resources and contractual obligations.

Policy Statement:
Royal Well is committed to providing comprehensive care to our registered patients. However, due to limited resources and the need to prioritise NHS contractual obligations, we do not enter into shared care arrangements with private healthcare providers.

1. Resource Allocation: Our resources are dedicated to fulfilling our NHS contractual obligations. Engaging in shared care with private providers could divert resources away from NHS patients, potentially compromising the quality of care.
2. Continuity of Care: Ensuring continuity and consistency in patient care is paramount. Shared care with private providers may lead to fragmented care, which can adversely affect patient outcomes.
3. Professional Responsibility: As per the BMA guidance, GP practices are not obligated to provide services beyond their NHS contract. Engaging in shared care with private providers is not a contractual requirement and may impose additional workload pressures on our practice.
4. Patient Safety: Our priority is to maintain patient safety. Shared care arrangements with private providers may introduce variability in care standards, which could impact patient safety.

• References:
  This policy is informed by the BMA’s guidance on general practice responsibility in responding to private healthcare. For further details, please refer to the BMA’s advice at: BMA Guidance on Private Healthcare.