How many private GPs are there in the UK?

Where do the private GPs in the UK work?

One of the benefits of working as a private GP is the flexibility to work from a range of locations. These can include:

Private GP practices

There are only a few hundred private GP practices in the UK which have multiple clinicians offering at least 10 sessions per week (five full days of appointments).

The vast majority of private GPs in the UK either work on a part-time locum basis for a private practice or work independently in a hospital setting.

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Private GPs working in a hospital setting

Many private hospitals will grant GPs practicing privileges so GPs can conduct their consultations in the hospital’s outpatient setting.

In most cases, these GPs will typically retain their self-employed status, paying room rental only. In these instances, these private GPs will be able to feed work in the hospital labs, scanning and secondary care services.

Where are the majority of private GPs located?

The bulk of private practices with two or more GPs who practice regularly with six or more sessions a week are located in central London’s more affluent areas.

We are starting to see more private GP practices based in other major urban hubs and visiting private GP services growing in popularity in country areas.

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NHS GPs

These numbers do not include NHS GPs, who although largely compensated via NHS contracts, are mandated to deliver certain services privately (e.g., insurance reports).

These services are not covered under the NHS contract, so must be billed for - the BMA sets recommended price points per service. When this private general practice is considered, virtually all UK based GPs could be considered to deliver at least some work privately.