Can I practice as a private GP from any residential or commercial premises?

Choosing Where to Practice From

Choosing where you will see patients as a private GP is a fundamental decision when setting up your practice. The good news is you have several options to consider, each with their own set of benefits and challenges.

Practicing from Your Home

It's quite a popular option for many private GPs to conduct their practice from home. This choice can significantly cut down on travel costs and time, eliminate rent, and might even offer some tax relief on household bills like heating and lighting. However, it's not without its potential setbacks. Sharing your space with patients can disrupt your personal life, particularly if you have family or flatmates. You also need to ensure that safety, clinical, and confidentiality standards are upheld to inspire confidence in your patients.

The Purpose-Built Surgery Option

Operating from a purpose-built private GP surgery offers a professional environment tailored to patient care. Whether you set up your own surgery or rent a room in another facility, this option creates a dedicated health space that many patients appreciate. The cost can be higher, but for some patients, the reassurance of visiting a purpose-built facility is worth it. Establishing a surgery may also facilitate the integration of systems like the EMIS Web for comprehensive patient management.

"Deciding where you want to work from is one of the first decisions you need to make when setting up as a private GP. Each option has benefits and you need to find one which works for both your professional and personal life."
— A Private GP

The Consulting Room in a Private Hospital

Another viable setup is renting a consulting room within a private hospital. These spaces are usually fully equipped, and you have immediate access to hospital staff, equipment, and additional facilities such as radiology and laboratory services. Renting costs vary, and you'll need to secure practising privileges from the hospital to work there. Notably, this option can also enable the use of platforms like Hero Health for seamless patient bookings and engagement.

The decision on where to practice as a private GP involves weighing these options carefully, assessing how each aligns with your personal and professional aspirations, and ensuring compliance with local regulations and standards.