Private GPs have exactly the same prescribing authority as NHS GPs — full GMC registration, full access to the British National Formulary, and the ability to prescribe any licensed medicine. What differs is not what they can prescribe, but what they're willing to discuss and arrange without the constraints of NHS commissioning guidelines.
Everything an NHS GP Can Prescribe
A private prescription can be dispensed at any registered pharmacy in the UK. The medicine is identical — same manufacturer, same dose, same formulation. The only difference is that instead of an NHS FP10 prescription, you receive a private prescription, and you pay the pharmacist's price rather than the NHS flat-rate charge. For many medications, private prescriptions are cheaper than the NHS prescription charge.
What Private GPs Commonly Prescribe That NHS GPs Often Won't
HRT — body-identical
Oestradiol patches, gels, sprays, and micronised progesterone — exactly as NICE recommends. NHS prescribing of body-identical HRT can be difficult to access depending on your area.
Testosterone therapy
For hypogonadism in men, and low testosterone in women — including options not available on NHS prescriptions in many localities.
Weight loss medication
GLP-1 receptor agonists for patients meeting clinical criteria — without the multi-month NHS referral pathway.
Antibiotics — same day
When clinically indicated, without the 48-hour wait-and-see approach that NHS commissioning often requires.
Vitamin D — therapeutic dose
NHS GPs are often restricted to standard supplementation doses. Private prescriptions allow therapeutic loading doses when deficiency is confirmed.
Travel medications
Malaria prophylaxis, altitude sickness medication, and travel-specific treatments — all available on private prescription, often same-day.
Controlled drugs
Private GPs can prescribe Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 controlled drugs (including ADHD medication continuation) where clinically appropriate and within GMC guidelines.
Allergy medication
Higher-strength antihistamines and immunotherapy support prescriptions that may not be available via NHS primary care in your area.
Where to Fill a Private Prescription
Any registered pharmacy — Boots, Lloyds, independent pharmacists, or online pharmacies. You may also be able to collect your prescription from our clinic's own dispensing service for certain medications. Your pharmacist can advise on the cost before dispensing.
Do I Need to Be a Registered Patient?
No. You don't need to be an existing patient to receive a private prescription. New patients can book a same-day consultation and receive a prescription at that appointment if it's clinically appropriate. We'll need to take a brief medical history and review any relevant notes.
Book a Private GP Appointment
Same-day appointments available in Surbiton. Prescriptions issued at the appointment where clinically appropriate.
Book a GP Appointment Private GP Services