At Poplars Medical Practice, we are dedicated to providing safe, high-quality care to all our patients. Below, we outline our position on shared care agreements between GPs and consultant specialists, particularly regarding private sector involvement.
Shared Care Policies Are Optional
Shared care agreements are formal arrangements where a GP and a GMC-registered consultant specialist share responsibility for a patient’s care. This often involves a GP practice prescribing medications on advice of a specialist doctor, who continues to arrange regular reviews for the patient receiving the treatment. These agreements are reviewed by clinicians, the Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group (GMMMG), and the Local Medical Committee (LMC) to ensure they prioritize patient safety and care.
Participation in shared care is entirely at the discretion of the GP practice. At Poplars, we evaluate each NHS shared care request carefully, considering our capacity, expertise, and patient interests. Our focus is on ensuring any prescribing for our patients is safe, and we may reject requests for shared care if we do not believe this is the case.
Limitations on Shared Care Agreements
- We do not participate in shared care agreements with private providers. NHS guidance emphasizes keeping private and NHS care separate to ensure appropriate funding, accountability, and liability. Patients must bear the full cost of private care, and NHS resources cannot subsidize private treatment. Further information on this position, which is supported by the BMA, can be found below.
- Some NHS “Right to Choose” providers may not meet our local NHS standards for shared care policies. As a result, we may decline these requests. Further information on this position which is supported by the LMC can be found below.
External Resources
- This link from the British Medical Association explains why shared care with private providers is not appropriate General practice responsibility in responding to private healthcare General practice responsibility in responding to private healthcare
- Salford Stockport and Trafford LMC Patient Guidance on right to choose referrals Welcome to Salford, Stockport & Trafford LMC
Last updated – January 2025