Is Seeing a Private GP Worth It? St Ives Guide to Private GP Benefits

Is seeing a private GP worth it for people in St Ives?

Many people from St Ives decide to try a private GP after one rushed appointment too many. A single 20–30 minute private GP consultation can feel very different to a short, pressured NHS slot: there’s time to listen, examine properly and make a clear plan. At Mayfield Clinic we offer that space, whether you choose a face-to-face appointment or an online consultation, and patients from St Ives are seen at our Cambridge clinic when they need in-person care.

Fast access when you need it

One of the clear private GP benefits is speed. Routine issues — infections, skin problems, migraine flare-ups, digestive complaints — can often be assessed and treated within days rather than waiting weeks. If you live in St Ives and need quick attention, our team can arrange telephone, video or an in-person appointment at our Cambridge clinic. Bookings are simple: use the Book now button on our site to reserve a slot.

Continuity of care: the same named doctor

Seeing the same GP matters. Continuity helps with complex or recurring problems — long COVID symptoms, chronic headaches, ongoing digestive or mental health issues — because your GP already knows your history. At Mayfield Clinic we emphasise patient-centred care and continuity; many St Ives patients choose to see the same named doctor for follow-ups and long-term management. Read about our private GP philosophy to understand how we structure care.

What we can help with

• Advice, assessment and diagnosis for acute and chronic problems
• Prescriptions and private prescriptions where appropriate
• Fast referrals to specialists with documented urgency
• Lifestyle, prevention and wellbeing support

We treat a wide range of conditions and are used to supporting patients who live in nearby towns such as St Ives but prefer the convenience or pace of private general practice.

Practical differences: private GP vs NHS

Private GP appointments usually allow for longer consultations and more flexible scheduling. That can mean less fragmentation of care and quicker onward referrals. We also offer same-day or next-day appointments more often than average NHS waiting times. If you live in St Ives, you’ll be seen at our Cambridge site for in-person care, which is typically a 30–40 minute drive depending on traffic, or you can choose an online appointment if that’s easier.

Memberships, continuity and easier booking

For people in St Ives who expect to use care more regularly, a Mayfield Clinic membership can be cost-effective. Members benefit from priority booking and can book directly by phone or WhatsApp, as well as online. Find out if a membership suits you in our article Is a Mayfield Clinic Membership right for you? and learn more about why patients choose us at Why Mayfield Clinic.

"Fast access and a named GP make complicated problems far easier to manage — patients from St Ives tell us that continuity is the difference that matters."

When private care is particularly valuable

If you need a rapid specialist referral, a clear second opinion, or a longer initial assessment, private GP care can speed the process. We frequently help St Ives patients who want timely investigation for skin lesions, headaches, recurrent infections or persistent digestive symptoms. We document concerns clearly to support faster specialist appointments where required.

Costs and transparency

Private GP care is paid for directly or via insurance. We provide clear fees before you book, and members receive additional value through priority access. If you’re unsure whether private care is right for a particular problem, a short online appointment can be a useful first step — and that can often be booked the same day.

How to book from St Ives

To arrange an appointment, use the Book now button on our site to pick a time that suits you. Members may book directly by phone or via WhatsApp. If you prefer to have a consultation online, we can manage diagnosis, treatment and many prescriptions remotely; if an examination or tests are needed, we’ll arrange your visit at our Cambridge clinic. For local context: many St Ives residents combine a clinic visit with a trip to Cambridge — an efficient way to access specialist tests or face-to-face care in one journey.

Is it worth it for you?

Consider a private GP appointment if you need speed, continuity with a named doctor, or more time to discuss complex issues. If you’re in St Ives and want fast, patient-centred care, use our Book now button to arrange an initial consultation or read more about our membership and philosophy at the links above.