SHARED CARE

Shared Care Prescribing

Prudhoe Medical Group supports shared care arrangements where these are appropriate, safe, and supported by local NHS prescribing guidance.

We participate in shared care agreements with NHS specialist services for a range of conditions, including (but not limited to) rheumatological, dermatological, gastroenterological and ADHD-related treatments. In these situations, prescribing responsibilities are shared between the specialist team and the GP practice in accordance with agreed NHS shared care protocols.

The specialist retains responsibility for initiating treatment, stabilising the dose, and providing ongoing specialist oversight, while the practice undertakes aspects of prescribing and monitoring as defined within the shared care agreement.

 

 

Shared Care Prescribing with Private Providers

At Prudhoe Medical Group, we understand that some patients receive specialist assessments and treatment from private providers, including for conditions such as ADHD.

To ensure prescribing is safe, equitable, and in line with our clinical governance responsibilities, the practice does not enter into shared care prescribing arrangements with private providers. This includes situations where a patient has previously had a shared care agreement in place with another GP practice.

Where a private specialist recommends medication, responsibility for prescribing, monitoring, and ongoing clinical review remains with that specialist until care has been formally transferred to an NHS service and appropriate local shared care arrangements are in place.

This policy applies to all private providers and is intended to ensure a consistent approach for all patients.

We appreciate that some patients may find this disappointing, particularly where private treatment has been sought because of long NHS waiting times. However, Private and NHS healthcare operate under separate contractual arrangements, and GP practices are not obliged to accept prescribing responsibility for treatment initiated or overseen by private clinicians.

Patients considering private assessment or treatment are encouraged to discuss the potential prescribing implications with their specialist provider before commencing treatment.

 

If you have questions about your individual circumstances, please contact the practice and we will be happy to discuss the options available to you.