A new private GP service has opened in Chislehurst, offering longer appointments and access to diagnostic tests alongside patients’ existing NHS care.
The Chislehurst GP has been established by experienced NHS GP Partners and is based at 59 Chislehurst Road, within Chislehurst Pharmacy and close to Chislehurst Station.
The service has been set up to give adults access to experienced GPs, with an emphasis on longer appointments, continuity of care and identifying potential health concerns at an earlier stage.
Dr Ord, GP Partner and co-owner of South London Medical, said:
Most people understandably think about seeing a GP when something is wrong. But general practice can be just as valuable in helping people understand what's happening with their health before a problem becomes more serious.
Sometimes that means looking properly at a symptom someone's been putting off. Sometimes it means bringing several concerns together rather than treating each one separately.
We wanted to create a service where there’s enough time and continuity to do that properly, to give people the opportunity to talk things through and leave with a clear understanding of what, if anything, should happen next.
New patients are invited to book a 30-minute initial consultation, allowing time for the GP to discuss their wider medical history as well as the immediate reason for the appointment.
The doctors say patients do not need to know exactly what is wrong before seeking an appointment. Reasons may include a new symptom, an unresolved health concern, a desire for more time with a GP or a more proactive approach to managing their health.
Where further investigation is considered appropriate, the clinic can arrange blood tests and diagnostic imaging including MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-ray, as well as referrals to specialists.
The service is intended to work alongside NHS general practice rather than replace it, with patients remaining registered with their existing NHS GP.
Dr Siva, GP Partner and co-owner of South London Medical, said:
We still work within NHS general practice and remain strongly committed to it. This isn't about saying everybody should use private healthcare, it's about giving people another choice. If somebody wants more time, quicker access, or help bringing together different parts of their health, we can offer that locally.
Treating someone well when they’re ill matters enormously, and so does identifying problems earlier, helping people manage existing conditions properly, understanding risks, and giving people the confidence to make good decisions about their health. General practice is uniquely placed to bring those things together.
