Private Prescriptions Policy

Pembroke Road Surgery does not issue private prescriptions under any circumstances.

This policy applies to:

• All medications, including controlled drugs, specialist treatments, lifestyle medications, and travel medicines
• All patient requests, including those arising from:
  • Private clinics or specialists
  • Online or digital health providers
  • Other private healthcare services
• Requests to convert an NHS prescription into a private prescription
• Requests to prescribe privately to avoid NHS eligibility rules, monitoring requirements, or waiting times

We continue to provide NHS prescriptions where all of the following are met:

• The medication is clinically appropriate
• It is supported by NHS guidance
• It falls within the NHS GP contract and the GP’s clinical competence
• Prescribing is safe, evidence‑based, and consistent with NHS England and local commissioning guidance
• Responsibility for prescribing and monitoring has been clearly transferred to the GP, where appropriate, and meets NHS requirements

This policy exists to protect patient safety and ensure fairness. In particular:

• NHS GP services are commissioned and funded to deliver NHS care, not private medical services
• Mixing NHS and private prescribing can:
  • Create patient safety risks
  • Cause confusion about who is clinically responsible
  • Lead to inequity between patients
• Many medications require:
  • Specialist initiation
  • Formal shared‑care agreements
  • Ongoing monitoring within NHS pathways

Having a single, consistent policy ensures fair treatment for all patients and supports safe prescribing practice.

If you choose to access private healthcare, the private provider is responsible for:

• Issuing any private prescriptions, and
• Arranging appropriate monitoring, follow‑up, and ongoing supply of the medication

We will not issue private prescriptions based on recommendations, letters, or advice from private providers.

In some cases, we may consider taking over NHS prescribing after private treatment only if:

• Full clinical information has been received
• The treatment is suitable for NHS prescribing
• A formal transfer of responsibility or shared‑care arrangement is agreed
• The GP is satisfied that it is safe and appropriate

This decision is entirely at the discretion of the GP and may not always be possible.

Can I pay privately for a prescription but still see my NHS GP?

No. Our GPs do not issue private prescriptions in any circumstances.

Can you prescribe privately if the medicine is not available on the NHS?

No. If a medicine is not commissioned or appropriate for NHS prescribing, we cannot issue it privately.

Can you convert a private prescription?

Not automatically. Every NHS prescription requires an independent clinical decision by the GP and must meet NHS prescribing criteria.

• This policy applies to all clinicians working at Pembroke Road Surgery
• It is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains aligned with NHS contractual, regulatory, and safety guidance

If you have questions about this policy or your medication, please speak to a member of our practice team.