It's not about loyalty to the NHS, and it's not about wealth. For many patients in Preston and across Lancashire, seeing a private GP is simply a practical decision when timing matters or when they want more time to talk things through. Here's an honest look at how the two differ.
The main practical differences
The NHS and private GP care both involve a qualified, registered doctor. The clinical standards are the same. What differs is mostly around access and appointment structure:
- Waiting time — NHS appointments can take days or weeks; private GP appointments are typically available same-day or next-day
- Appointment length — NHS slots are usually 10 minutes; private consultations generally run longer, with more time for questions
- Continuity — at a private clinic you're more likely to see the same GP across visits
- Cost — NHS GP care is free at the point of use; private GP consultations at Northwest Health start from £50 (telephone/video) or from £80 in person
What a private GP can and can't do
A private GP can do most of what your NHS GP does: diagnose, advise, arrange private blood tests or imaging, write sick notes and private prescriptions, and refer you to specialists. What they can't do is refer you directly into NHS-funded treatment in the way your NHS GP can — that pathway still runs through your NHS doctor.
If you're managing an ongoing NHS condition, it's worth keeping your NHS GP in the loop. The two types of care work alongside each other rather than as a straight swap.
When does private GP care make sense?
There's no single answer, but common reasons patients come to us include:
- A health worry they want seen this week, not in three weeks
- A second opinion after an NHS appointment that left questions unanswered
- A pre-travel health check or occupational health certificate needed quickly
- Ongoing symptoms they feel haven't been fully explored yet
Is it regulated in the same way?
Yes. Northwest Health is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the same body that oversees NHS practices. That means the same governance standards apply — the same duty of care, the same record-keeping requirements, the same professional obligations.
A note on cost
Prices vary by clinic. At Northwest Health, a telephone or video GP appointment starts from £50, and an in-person consultation starts from £80. There are no hidden charges: you'll know what you're paying before you book.
It won't be the right choice in every situation — if you need urgent emergency care, the NHS is the right place. But for non-emergency issues where access or time is the limiting factor, private GP care is a straightforward option.
Speak to our team
Book a consultation and we'll build a plan around you. Most enquiries answered the same day.