Is Seeing a Private GP Worth It? Fast, Personal Care for Dorking Patients

Is seeing a private GP worth it for Dorking patients?

The average NHS GP consultation in the UK lasts under ten minutes. That quick turnaround can be fine for simple issues—but when you want time, continuity and speed, private GP care often feels very different. If you live in Dorking and value same-day access, longer consultations and a named doctor who knows your history, private GP appointments at Mayfield Clinic may be worth the switch.

Why patients from Dorking choose a private GP

People in Dorking come to Mayfield Clinic because they need more than a brief check-in. Our private GP appointments allow for longer, focused consultations: we can review complex symptoms, adjust medications, and agree realistic treatment plans without rushing. Many patients choose us when they want fast referrals, clearer explanations or repeat prescriptions sorted the same day.

What a private GP appointment actually offers

• Longer, personalised consultations that let you discuss multiple concerns.
• Rapid access to prescriptions and investigations when clinically required.
• Faster specialist referrals and easier coordination of follow-up care.
• Flexible appointment types — in-person at our Reigate clinic or online for Dorking patients who prefer remote care.

People-first continuity of care

One of the biggest private GP benefits is seeing the same named doctor regularly. Continuity builds trust, avoids repeated explanations and improves diagnostic accuracy. For Dorking residents who visit our practice in nearby Reigate, this continuity means your GP understands your lifestyle, commute and local health concerns — for example, flare-ups linked to seasonal hay fever on walks up Box Hill.

Speed matters. So does being known. Private GP care gives both: quick access when you need it and a GP who remembers your story.

Private GP vs NHS: where the differences matter

It isn’t about replacing NHS care. It’s about choice. NHS general practice is essential and invaluable. Private GP appointments are complementary: they offer quicker access, longer consultations and a personalised approach when time or speed is clinically important. For Dorking patients who work or travel, an appointment at our Reigate clinic — easily reached from Dorking by car or public transport — can save days of waiting.

Examples of conditions well suited to private GP care

Our GPs treat a wide range of issues: acute infections, skin problems, migraines, digestive complaints, joint pain, mental wellbeing concerns and repeat prescriptions. We also provide lifestyle advice, health screening and tailored referral routes to specialists when required. If you need a focused review rather than a quick triage, private care can be the right choice.

How booking and membership work for Dorking patients

All appointments should be booked online via the Book now button on our site. If you’re a Mayfield Clinic member, you can book directly by phone or via WhatsApp for added convenience — learn more in Is a Mayfield Clinic Membership right for you?. Our membership options are designed for people who want regular, predictable access to the same GP. For details on our approach and why patients choose us, see Why Mayfield Clinic and Our Private GP philosophy.

What to expect if you travel from Dorking to Reigate

Although we list a Dorking page to help local patients find us (Mayfield Clinic — Dorking), clinical appointments are delivered from our Reigate practice. Reigate is a short drive from Dorking and well connected by local buses and trains. When you arrive at Reigate, you’ll find a calm, private environment and clinicians ready to give focused time to your concerns.

Costs and value

Private GP appointments do incur fees, because they provide extra clinician time and expedited services such as same-day referrals and faster access to diagnostics. Many Dorking patients find that the value lies in timely reassurance, fewer repeat visits and faster routes to specialist care when required. If you expect to need recurring rapid access, our membership plans may offer the best overall value.

Practical tips if you’re thinking of switching

1. Decide what matters most: speed, continuity with a named GP, or longer consultations.
2. Check whether you need in-person reviews; if not, a remote appointment can save travel time from Dorking to Reigate.
3. Bring previous records or a medication list to your first consultation to make the most of your longer appointment.
4. Use the Book now button to secure the right slot; members can use phone or WhatsApp.

Final thought

If fast access, personalised time with a single clinician and practical referrals are priorities, private GP care from Mayfield Clinic is worth considering. For Dorking residents seeking that experience, appointments are available at our Reigate practice — close, professional and designed for people who want medicine with time and continuity.