What is a private GP?

In Northern Ireland most of the population are entitled to NHS care free of charge from your registered GP (General Practitioner) .A private GP (General Practitioner) is a doctor that charges patients for appointments and other healthcare services. Like any other GP we strive to listen to your health concerns and offer you diagnostics, advice and treatment for any illnesses, conditions and states of health. This is done solely through face to face initial consultation and follow ups, all booked at your convenience

Patients may choose to see us for various different resaons, ease of access, working around work/life, second opinons. Here at loughview health we are happy to assist you in any ways we can

All our GPs are registered with the GMC and remain apart of the NI perfromers list. We also undergo yearly apprsaial and attend multiple courses during the year to improve our knowledge and keep up to date.

Can you access my NHS health records?

Unfortunately we cannot access your records from your NHS GP. Therefore it is important to bring any letters or results with you ( can be uploaded prior to consultation if preferred) if you wish to have a second opinion or for if required for a medical .

Do I need to Register to be seen at loughview health?

How should I book a private GP appointment?

Using our online booking service you can book an appointment. We offer a range of lengths 15,30 and 45 mins. Please note we recommended initial consultations ( including mental health) are booked at 30mins to give the GP plenty of time to explore your concerns and needs. 15min appointments are ideal for urgent care matters ( sore throats/coughs/colds) and follow ups. 45 Minute appointments are ideal for those who may have multiple issues or who simply want more time with the GP.

What if I would like a follow up?

We do offer follow up appointments as needed, these will be charged again based on time. Our service is an as and when service giving you the choice to return to use or if you so wish or continue your follow up with your own NHS GP

Can my child be seen?

Yes, all of our GPs see children from birth, however the appointment must be booked by the responsible adult. Patients must be 18 years and older to book their own appointments

Can you provide a chaperone for my appointment?

At Loughview Health, we understand the importance of providing a comfortable and supportive environment for our patients. While we cannot guarantee the availability of a chaperone, rest assured that our dedicated staff will make every effort to accommodate your needs if one is required during your visit. Additionally, we welcome and encourage the presence of a family member or loved one to accompany you and provide any additional support you may need. Your well-being and comfort are our top priorities, and we are committed to ensuring that you feel at ease throughout your time with us.

What happens if we run over time?

Unless there is a serious medical emergency our policy is to run to time for each and every patient to avoid any delays for the patients in future appointments. We are aware a lot of patients are visiting during time critical parts of the day and we wish to provide the highest level of service and respect to each and every patient. Therefore, it is our policy that we cannot overrun nor extend consultation times. If you wish you may book follow up appointments but this will be at an additional cost. This ensure we run a smooth service for all. Many thanks for understanding 

Can you do onward referrals to specialties?

We, at Loughview Health, understand the importance of timely access to medical care.Considering the length of the current wait times, we highly recommend considering onward referral to our trusted private secondary care colleagues. By doing so, you can expedite the process and receive the care you require without any unnecessary delays. If needed we can process urgent referrals to the NHS, we do not however offer routine referrals to the NHS.

Is there a charge for referrals or prescriptions?

Referral letters and printed prescriptions generated during the consultation are included with the cost of your appointment. Later requests for referrals or prescriptions will carry a fee.

If you receive a private prescription, you are responsible for the cost of medications at the pharmacy.

Our clinicians will prescribe antibiotics when clinically appropriate, following the same evidence-based guidance as our NHS colleagues. But while private GP appointments are an excellent way to receive a quick and insightful medical opinion, we offer no guarantee of a prescription. Prescribing antibiotics on request would be poor medical practice, and could cause more harm than good.

Do you prescribe controlled drugs/Opioids/Sleeping tablets?

We do not currently prescribe or administer Schedule 1-3 drugs, benzodiazepines, gabapentanoids nor sleeping tablets.

If your appointment is to ask for specific medication, please keep this in mind to avoid any disappointment and loss of appointment fee.

Can you provide an interpreter for my appointment?

We highly encourage patients to consider bringing a companion with them if they anticipate any language or communication challenges during their scheduled appointment. At Loughview Health, we understand the importance of effective communication in the healthcare setting. Unfortunately, we currently do not have interpretation services available. Therefore, having a companion by your side can greatly assist in ensuring clear and accurate information exchange between you and our medical professionals. Your companion can provide valuable support and help bridge any potential language barriers throughout your visit, creating a more seamless and comfortable healthcare experience for all parties involved.

How much does a private GP appointment cost?

At Loughview Health, we understand that your time is valuable and healthcare should be accessible to everyone. That's why we offer a range of appointment options and transparent pricing to suit your needs. Our initial consultation, which lasts for 30 minutes, is priced at £130. We believe in charging based on the time needed, ensuring that you receive the care and attention you deserve. If you require a shorter consultation, our 15-minute GP appointment is available for £75. Conversely, if you require more in-depth care or have multiple concerns to discuss, our 45-minute consultation is priced at £225. Whatever your healthcare needs may be, our experienced team is here to provide you with personalized and affordable care.

Can I get a repeat private prescription?

If you have had a prescription from us previously and it is still needed for medical use, we can provide you with a repeat prescription without having to have another appointment.

When we receive your request for a repeat private prescription, we can either post this directly or supply it to your choice of pharmacy.

There is a charge of £25 for repeat prescriptions( not including cost of the medicine in the pharmacy).