Airthrey Park Medical Centre Shared Care Statement
Due to the significant pressure on Secondary Care services and inadequate resources, certain NHS specialities unfortunately report lengthy waiting times. Examples include ADHD and Transgender care where NHS waiting times can be in excess of one and three years respectively.
We understand how frustrating and disappointing this may be for many individuals. NHS Scotland are currently considering this as a matter of importance.
With regard to both ADHD and Transgender care, it is therefore understandable that patients who wish to pursue this may choose to access Private Clinics for timely assessment and treatment where indicated.
Private ADHD and Transgender clinics may recommend medication. Individuals who are started on medication are advised that ongoing prescription on the NHS is not guaranteed. Private clinic monitoring must take place at regular intervals and is essential to enable ongoing treatment whilst ensuring patient safety.
Requests for shared care between Private Clinics and General Practice are discussed individually at a practice meeting conducted at the start of each month. Correspondence from the referring clinic, the expertise of the practitioner making the assessment, duration and compliance with medication and monitoring protocols are taken into consideration.
APMC may enter into a Shared Care Agreement facilitating the prescription of ADHD medication or Transgender hormonal medication on the NHS in certain circumstances. Patients must be stable on medication for a period of 6 months prior to any provisional Shared Care Agreement. Regular follow up with the private clinic must be arranged for monitoring purposes for the duration of time the patient remains on the medication. It should also be noted that any changes to the dose of medication are at the sole discretion of the specialist clinic.
Failure to engage in drug monitoring and follow up with the specialist clinic will result in termination of the shared care agreement and cessation of NHS prescriptions.
This, alongside the financial implications of private care should be taken into consideration.
Thank you for your understanding.
APMC