Private GPs Arrive at Your Doorstep

A new app-based private GP service, DocSelect, is offering home visits within two hours of booking. Owned by 10 Nottinghamshire-based GPs, the service aims to make accessing medical care as straightforward as ordering a taxi. Founder Dr Adeel Khan stated the core offering is convenient local care delivered to patients' homes, reducing stress on A&E and existing GP services.

Launched six months ago, DocSelect has seen 1,000 sign-ups and provided over 200 appointments. Patients have praised the speed and thoroughness of the service. For instance, David Clayton, 76, received a 40-minute home visit for £110, avoiding a trip to A&E. Matthew Rainbow, 30, also booked a £100 home visit after his surgery could not offer an appointment.

The rise of private GP services like DocSelect is occurring as NHS GP capacity struggles to meet rising patient numbers. The British Medical Association noted a significant increase in registered patients since 2015, with a concurrent fall in fully qualified GPs. This has led to longer waits for appointments, prompting some patients to seek private alternatives for quicker access and continuity of care.

While private healthcare is a small market compared to the NHS, its growth sparks debate. Critics, like Dr John Puntis of Keep Our NHS Public, view it as a symptom of NHS underfunding. Conversely, DocSelect's proponents, including Dr Aston Cresswell, see it as a complementary service that increases overall healthcare capacity and offers greater choice to patients.

Michael Wright, chief executive of the Local Medical Committee for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, is observing the impact of this model on NHS practices. He suggested it could be beneficial if it absorbs some demand but cautioned against potential increases in overall workload. Patients using such services are reminded that they do not replace their registered NHS GP practice but offer an alternative access route.