Policy for Shared Care with NHS and Private Provider
1. Introduction
This policy outlines the approach of Shirland Medical regarding shared care arrangements involving both NHS and/or private providers. The aim is to ensure clarity, safety, and the highest standard of care for our patients while maintaining the integrity of NHS services.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all clinical and administrative staff at Shirland Medical involved in the management of patients who receive care from both NHS and private providers.
3. Principles
Shared care arrangements should be voluntary and based on mutual agreement between the GP, the NHS provider, or the private provider.
The primary responsibility for the patient’s care and ongoing prescribing remains with the initiating provider unless a formal shared care agreement is in place.
Shared care with private providers is generally not recommended due to governance, quality assurance, and health inequality concerns.
4. Shared Care Agreements
Any shared care arrangement must be formalised in a written agreement, clearly outlining the responsibilities of each party.
The agreement should include details on prescribing, monitoring, and follow-up care.
Both parties must willingly agree to the terms of the shared care arrangement.
5. Prescribing and Medication
GPs at Shirland Medical will not automatically take over prescribing responsibilities for medications initiated by private providers.
If a patient requests their GP to prescribe medication recommended by a private provider, the GP should assess the clinical appropriateness and safety of the medication.
NHS GP surgeries may decline shared care requests due to capacity issues, safety concerns, and lack of support when expert help is needed.
NHS GP surgeries are bound to follow national and local medication formularies which are set by the Integrated Care Board.
6. Communication
Effective communication between the GP, the NHS provider, and/or the private provider is essential for the success of shared care arrangements.
Providers must communicate directly with the GP regarding any recommendations or changes in the patient’s treatment plan.
Patients should be advised to discuss shared care arrangements with their GP before assuming that the GP will take over prescribing responsibilities.
7. Capacity and Safety Concerns
Shared care arrangements should not compromise the GP’s ability to provide core NHS services to other patients.
GPs should not feel pressured to accept shared care arrangements that fall outside their competencies or capacity.
Concerns about patient safety or inadequate commissioning of care should be raised with NHS England.
8. Documentation and Record-Keeping. All shared care agreements and related communications should be documented in the patient’s medical record.
A copy of the shared care agreement should be provided to the patient and the involved providers.
9. Review and Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed as required to ensure it remains up-to-date with current guidelines and best practices.
10. Conclusion
Shirland Medical is committed to providing safe, effective, and equitable care to all patients.
Shared care arrangements involving both NHS and/or private providers will be carefully considered and managed to uphold these principles.
Additional Information and Requirements for ADHD medication
1. We do not offer shared care for those under the age of 18.
2. The specialist service must be led and assessed by a UK licenced, GMC registered Consultant Physician, or Psychiatrist in their field of expertise.
3. We must be satisfied with the quality of the assessment and diagnostic process.
4. Patient must be started and stabilised on a recognised North West London Integrated
Care Board formulary medication, free from adverse effects and on the same medication at the same dose for a minimum of at least 6 months depending on the treatment.
5. Full shared care information and monitoring required to be sent to us.
6. You must proactively arrange, attend and complete all required monitoring with us.
7. You must ensure that you arrange and attend all required reviews (minimum annually) with the specialist.
8. Any change in dose or medication must be determined by the original specialist e.g.
change of dose, lack of stock (we are not responsible for stock shortages in pharmacies).
9. Timely and effective communication from the initiating specialist when it is needed for any queries or concerns we may have.
10. The practice has capacity to accommodate the shared care prescribing request.
11. If transfer to NHS care is required or requested for eligible patients, the private specialist will arrange this themselves.