For many people in Saffron Walden, waiting months for a specialist appointment is the moment they consider a private route. A private GP referral can often shorten that wait to weeks and give you greater choice over who treats you. At Mayfield Clinic we make referrals straightforward, transparent and centred on your preferences — and while we serve Saffron Walden patients, consultations and specialist appointments are delivered from our nearby practice in Cambridge.
Your private GP conducts a clinical assessment, explains the options and prepares a referral letter. That letter sets out the history, tests and urgency — everything a consultant needs to offer timely, joined-up care. We keep you involved at every step, so you decide whether to see a private consultant or pursue an NHS appointment.
We maintain a trusted network of private consultants — largely based in Oxford and London — selected for their expertise and quality of care. If a consultant closer to home is preferable, we discuss that with you. For Saffron Walden patients, the default location for face-to-face consultations is our Cambridge practice; we’ll explain travel, parking and appointment logistics when you book.
Can a private GP refer to NHS services? Yes. A private doctor referral in the UK can be directed to either an NHS specialist or a private consultant. We’ll explain the likely waiting time, costs (if any), and the pros and cons of each route. If you choose the NHS option, we provide an evidence-based referral designed to support triage and prioritisation.
We keep detailed referral records so your named GP can follow progress and act on consultant advice. That continuity is especially important if you live in Saffron Walden but are seen in Cambridge; your Mayfield doctor stays involved, liaising with the specialist and arranging any further tests or prescriptions.
"A thorough referral letter can be the difference between a one‑stop appointment and unnecessary repeat tests."
How private referrals work in practice: once you and your GP agree on the referral, we typically contact the specialist team and arrange an appointment according to clinical urgency. For private consultants this can often be within days to weeks. If you elect to go via the NHS, we prepare the referral and submit it through the appropriate channels — timing then depends on NHS waiting lists.
Private consultant appointments will carry fees set by the specialist or clinic. If NHS referral is chosen there is no additional specialist fee, but waiting times vary. We’ll provide clarity on costs, expected tests and any administrative steps before you confirm the referral.
All appointments are booked online via the Book now button on our website. Members can also book directly by phone or via WhatsApp. If you live in Saffron Walden and want the reliability of seeing the same named GP and quicker access to consultants, consider Mayfield Clinic membership — learn more on our membership page.
Saffron Walden patients often ask about travel. Our Cambridge practice is under 20 minutes’ drive from Saffron Walden town centre and has straightforward parking — useful when appointments include scans or follow‑ups. If transport is a concern, let us know and we’ll time appointments to reduce return trips.
If you think a specialist referral may help, book a consultation via the Book now button. We’ll assess, explain your options — private consultant or NHS specialist — and prepare a detailed referral that supports rapid, joined-up care for Saffron Walden residents seen at our Cambridge practice.
Yes. A private GP can refer you to NHS specialists as well as to private consultants. At Mayfield Clinic we draft a clinical referral designed to support NHS triage and prioritisation; timing then depends on NHS waiting lists. For Saffron Walden patients, referrals are managed by your named Mayfield GP who will liaise with the chosen service and keep records to ensure continuity.
Yes — a private GP to specialist referral is common in the UK. We work with a network of consultants (mainly Oxford and London based) and can also refer to local NHS services. Costs apply for private consultant appointments; NHS referrals are free but wait times vary. If you live in Saffron Walden, you will usually be seen at our Cambridge practice unless an alternative is agreed.
We keep full referral records and coordinate with specialists to ensure continuity of care. After a private doctor referral in the UK, your Mayfield GP will follow consultant recommendations, arrange follow-up tests or prescriptions if needed, and remain your primary contact. For Saffron Walden patients, this continuity continues even when appointments take place in Cambridge.
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3rd Floor Mayfield House
256 Banbury Road
Oxford
OX2 7DE
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