Is a Private GP Worth It? Benefits, Costs and Royston Options

Is seeing a private GP worth it for Royston patients?

Waiting days for a routine appointment. Being shuffled between clinicians. That’s the experience many people in Royston want to avoid. At Mayfield Clinic we see patients from Royston at our Cambridge practice, and most local visitors report faster diagnoses and clearer follow-up plans after a single visit. If you value speed, continuity and time with your doctor, a private GP could be worth it.

Quick access and longer consultations

Private GP appointments with Mayfield Clinic mean you get rapid access to a qualified doctor and a longer, more thorough consultation than the average NHS slot. Our clinicians take time to explore symptoms, review history and agree a plan — whether you’re dealing with recurring migraines, persistent digestive complaints or a troublesome skin problem. For many Royston patients this one-depth consultation replaces multiple short appointments and investigatory phone calls.

What our private GP service includes

At Mayfield Clinic we provide personalised assessments, prescriptions when appropriate, targeted tests and onward specialist referrals. We manage everyday issues — infections, musculoskeletal pain, minor injuries — alongside more complex ongoing concerns. Consultations are available in-person at our Cambridge practice (a short drive from Royston) and online for convenience. Find your local page for Royston here: Mayfield Clinic — Royston and learn about where we see patients in Cambridge here: Mayfield Clinic Cambridge.

"We focus on continuity: the same named doctor, clear follow-up and faster referral when needed — that matters most to patients from Royston."

Private GP benefits compared with NHS care

People search “private GP vs NHS” for a reason. The practical differences that matter most to Royston residents are speed of access, appointment length and continuity of care. With a private GP you can often secure an appointment within days, see the same clinician each time and avoid fragmented records spread across multiple short consultations. That continuity reduces repeat visits and speeds up diagnosis.

When a private GP really pays off

A private GP can be especially valuable when:

• You need a prompt referral to a specialist or diagnostic test;
• You have a recurring or unexplained symptom that needs a longer assessment;
• You want to build a relationship with a named doctor for ongoing care;
• You require flexible appointment options, including evening or video consultations.

Costs and membership options

Cost is often the deciding factor. For frequent attenders, our membership plans can make private GP care more economical and add benefits such as direct phone or WhatsApp bookings for members. Read more to decide if a membership is right for you: Is a Mayfield Clinic Membership right for you? For a short-term single issue, paying per appointment may be preferred. Either way, clarity about fees and what’s included is provided before you book.

How Mayfield Clinic works — our approach

Our private GP philosophy emphasises patient-centred care, clear communication and practical plans: Our Private GP philosophy. We balance thorough clinical assessment with pragmatic next steps — investigations, lifestyle advice or a referral. You can read why people choose us here: Why Mayfield Clinic.

Practicalities for Royston patients

Many people from Royston travel to Cambridge for specialist appointments, and our Cambridge practice is the site where Royston patients are seen. We aim to make that travel straightforward, with flexible online follow-ups where appropriate. Expect a focused first visit, a clear management plan, and rapid referral if a specialist opinion or imaging is required.

Common concerns answered

Worried about record continuity? We provide full, shareable records and can coordinate with your NHS GP when necessary. Concerned about prescriptions? Our GPs will issue safe, evidence-based prescriptions and arrange supervised changes to medications. Unsure whether an issue needs specialist care? We’ll explain thresholds for referral and why a direct private referral can speed care for Royston patients.

How to book

All appointments should be booked online via the Book now button on our website. Members can book directly by phone or via WhatsApp. If you’re in Royston and want faster access to a named GP, click Book now and select Cambridge as your clinic — our team will guide you through options for in-person or virtual consultations.

Is private GP care right for you in Royston?

If you value speed, continuity and a patient-centred consultation style, private GP care at Mayfield Clinic is likely to be worth the investment. For one-off urgent issues a single private appointment can resolve symptoms faster. For ongoing problems, having a consistent doctor who knows your history can prevent repeated visits and missed signals. If you’d like to explore membership or a single appointment, start by booking online via Book now.