Can a Private GP Refer Me to a Specialist? Advice for Newmarket Patients

Introduction

NHS outpatient waits commonly approach the 18‑week RTT threshold, so many people in and around Newmarket want clarity: can a private GP speed things up and get me to the right specialist? Short answer: yes — but there are options, trade‑offs and choices to make. Read on to find out how a Mayfield Clinic private GP working for Newmarket patients (seen at our Cambridge clinic) will manage referrals, who pays for what, and how you stay in control.

Can a private GP refer you to a specialist?

Private GPs at Mayfield Clinic prepare professional, evidence‑based referrals for both private consultants and NHS specialists. We write detailed referral letters, collate relevant test results and imaging, and recommend the most appropriate next step. For Newmarket patients this means you’ll get the same careful approach as our Cambridge patients — you’ll be seen at our Cambridge clinic, and your referral will be handled from there.

Private referral versus NHS referral — what’s the difference?

There are two common routes:

• Private referral — your Mayfield GP can refer you to a consultant in our trusted private network (many consultants are Oxford and London‑based). Private referrals usually mean faster appointments and more choice over the consultant and clinic. These referrals are charged by the specialist and often by the clinic where they practise.
• NHS referral — your private GP can prepare a full referral letter for an NHS specialist. In many cases we can submit the paperwork for you or provide the documents so you or your practice can request the NHS appointment. NHS waits are outside our control, but we make the referral clear and complete so it proceeds smoothly.

How we help Newmarket patients who want an NHS referral

We explain exactly what to expect. If you prefer an NHS route our GP will document symptoms, relevant investigations and urgency, and either:

• submit the referral electronically if available for that service, or
• give you a referral letter to pass to your NHS GP or hospital team.

Either way, you stay involved in the decision. We also keep detailed records at Mayfield Clinic so ongoing care is transparent whether your next appointment is in Cambridge, at an NHS hospital, or with a private consultant.

Who chooses the consultant?

Patients choose, with clinical guidance. Our GPs recommend consultants from our vetted network (predominantly Oxford and London specialists), explain waiting times, likely costs and where the consultant practices. For Newmarket residents who prefer to remain local, we’ll discuss options and travel considerations — many patients travel to Cambridge for convenience and continuity of care; we’ll make that simple for you.

“We involve you in every step: referral options, consultant choice and follow‑up. No surprises, just clear, clinically robust decisions.”

What a good referral from Mayfield Clinic includes

• Concise clinical summary and history
• Relevant test results and copies of imaging/report attachments
• Reason for referral and degree of urgency
• Suggested consultant names or specialities, including our trusted Oxford–London consultants
• Clear request for recommended next steps (investigation, opinion, or shared care)

Costs and administration — what to expect

Private consultant fees are separate from a private GP consultation. If you choose a private referral, the consultant sets their own fees for appointments, tests and procedures. If you opt for an NHS referral, there is no consultant charge from the NHS, but waiting times apply. Our team will outline the likely costs and administrative steps so you can decide.

Continuity of care — why a named GP matters

At Mayfield Clinic we prioritise regular access to the same named doctor. That continuity matters when referrals are being made and followed up. For Newmarket patients (seen at our Cambridge practice) your named GP will track the referral, review consultant feedback and record follow‑up plans so nothing gets lost between providers.

How we coordinate care after referral

When the specialist provides recommendations, we:

• update your Mayfield Clinic record;
• discuss outcomes and next steps with you;
• arrange follow‑up appointments (face‑to‑face or remotely) with your named GP;
• liaise directly with the specialist if further clarification or joint planning is needed.

Practical steps for Newmarket patients

1. Book an appointment online via the Book now button or visit our Newmarket page for local information. Members can also book by phone or WhatsApp.
2. Bring any existing letters, imaging CDs or test results to your appointment at our Cambridge clinic (Mayfield Clinic — Cambridge).
3. Discuss whether you prefer a private consultant or an NHS referral and ask about estimated timelines and costs.
4. We’ll prepare the referral and keep you updated at every stage.

Useful Mayfield Clinic links

To learn more about accessing our services visit our Accessing Services page. If you’re considering membership, see Is Membership Right for You. Our referral policy is explained in full at How We Make Referrals, and details on private prescribing are available at Private Prescriptions. Want to meet our clinicians? See the team at Our Team.

One local note

Newmarket’s racing community expects rapid, dependable medical care. We understand that local rhythm — whether you’re a trainer, stable staff member or resident — and we structure referrals to reduce disruption and speed recovery, often arranging appointments at our Cambridge clinic to keep things convenient.

Ready to get started?

If you live in Newmarket and want a private GP referral or an NHS referral prepared by a private doctor, book an appointment online via the Newmarket page. Your consultation will be managed from our Cambridge clinic (Cambridge) and we’ll guide you through every step.