This guide is designed to support NHS GP practices in their professional responsibilities when interacting with private healthcare providers. It clarifies the legal and ethical framework—particularly as defined by the General Medical Council (GMC)—and provides clear, practical steps for safely sharing information and working collaboratively in the best interests of patients.
While private healthcare providers operate outside of the NHS, patients often move between sectors. GP practices have a duty to support continuity of care and facilitate safe communication, regardless of who provides the service.
GMC guidance makes it clear that patients come first and that professional cooperation with private providers is expected—so long as it is safe, appropriate, and legally compliant.
“You must contribute to the safe transfer of patients between healthcare providers and between health and social care providers.”
Implication: GP practices should cooperate with private providers when doing so supports safe patient care. If the patient has received care privately and returns to NHS care – or vice versa – communication should be clear and timely.
GMC – Good Medical Practice, para 36 “You must treat colleagues fairly and with respect. You must work collaboratively with colleagues, respecting their skills and contributions.”
Implication: Private sector clinicians should be treated as professional colleagues. Practices must uphold standards of civility, mutual respect, and collaboration in communications and handovers.
“You must not disclose personal information about a patient to a third party without the patient’s consent, unless there is a legal requirement or overriding public interest.”
Implication: No patient information can be shared with a private provider unless:
“Thank you for your request. In line with GMC guidance, we are unable to disclose patient information without the patient’s explicit consent. Please ask the patient to provide written authorisation specifying the information to be shared. Once received, we will review and respond accordingly.”
“Thank you for your enquiry regarding [Patient Name]. We have reviewed and confirmed the patient’s consent. In accordance with GMC guidance, we are providing the following relevant information: [Insert data]. Please let us know if further clarification is required within the scope of consent provided.”
Private healthcare is a growing part of the health landscape. Patients may choose private options for various reasons. Our professional obligations as NHS GPs remain clear: treat all patients with respect and dignity, and work constructively with all providers involved in their care—within the boundaries of confidentiality and professional ethics.