Can I send private patients to NHS A&E?

In what circumstances can a private GP refer back into the NHS?

According to the BMA "Private GPs are free to refer their patients to the NHS in the same way as NHS GPs can refer their patients to the private sector".

Practically, it is straightforward for private GPs to refer into NHS for acute care, such as directing a patient to A&E or liaising with on-call NHS specialties.

It is also possible to make two week wait (2WW) cancer referrals. This requires you to obtain local proformas and contact details for the 2WW team. There will typically be a preference for 2WW referrals to come via ERS, however as ERS is not available to private clinicians (currently), a 2WW cancer referral would need to be submitted via secure email (e.g. NHS mail, Egress).

For regular (and less-acute) referrals, the pathways are not as clear, and with no private sector access to ERS, it may be easier to refer privately or, if the patient wishes to be treated by the NHS, for the NHS GP to refer.

Additionally, if an NHS GP is going to coordinate a patient’s care, then it may be better for the referral to be made by the NHS GP. In this case, either you can attempt to make contact with the patient’s NHS GP, you could send notes back to the NHS GP (with consent), or print consultation notes for the patient to take to their NHS GP.

As a private GP, can I make regular NHS referrals?

Legally yes, however in practice this can be complicated.

You can easily make NHS referrals in an emergency situation or suspected cancer situation, but without ERS, regular NHS referrals are more complicated to handle.

You can make a private referral, or if the patient wishes to be seen on the NHS, you can give them a copy of medical notes to share with their registered NHS GP.