What a Private GP Can Help With — Saffron Walden Guide

Introduction

Around two-thirds of patients say faster access and continuity with the same doctor are the main reasons they choose a private GP. If you live in Saffron Walden and value prompt, personalised general practice care, this guide explains exactly what a private GP can help with — and how Mayfield Clinic delivers those services from our Cambridge practice for Saffron Walden residents.

Fast access and a named doctor

One of the biggest differences with private GP care is speed. You’ll get a quicker appointment, often the same day or within a couple of days, and the option of regular appointments with the same named clinician. That continuity is ideal for ongoing conditions, mental health support or simply building a relationship so your GP understands your health history.

Common services and conditions we routinely manage

Our private GPs offer almost all the services you would expect from an NHS GP — but with faster access and greater flexibility. Typical services include:

• General reassurance, clinical advice and diagnosis for common ailments
• Chronic condition reviews and management (diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc.)
• Mental health support and medication reviews
• Same‑day prescriptions when clinically appropriate
• Travel health and vaccinations
• Minor injury assessment and urgent GP appointments
• Family healthcare: children, adults and elderly care
• Preventative checks, lifestyle and wellness consultations

For a fuller list, see our page: What our GPs can help with.

Investigations, tests and diagnostics

Private GPs can arrange blood tests, ECGs, imaging (such as MRI or ultrasound) and other diagnostics quickly. Where tests are needed to clarify a diagnosis or tailor treatment, we’ll organise what’s appropriate and explain the results clearly. This is particularly useful if you need a faster pathway than typical NHS waiting times.

Second opinions and referrals to specialists

If you want a second opinion or faster referral to a consultant, our team will prepare a clear, evidence‑based referral letter and guide you through next steps. Read more about how we manage referrals here: Referrals.

Prescriptions and private prescribing

We can prescribe privately where clinically appropriate and explain options clearly. For information on our prescribing approach, see: How we prescribe privately. If you need same‑day medication for an acute problem, our private GPs can often help — saving you time and reducing stress.

Screening, annual medicals and preventative care

Private GPs are frequently used for annual health checks, bespoke screening packages and lifestyle consultations. Whether you want a cardiovascular risk assessment, a women’s health review or targeted checks for an older relative from Saffron Walden, we tailor the assessment to your needs.

When a private GP might not be suitable

There are limits to what private GPs can do. For a clear list of the small number of services we cannot provide, please read: What our GPs can't help with. If your condition requires emergency care, call 999 or visit your nearest A&E.

"We aim to combine the speed and convenience of private care with the clinical rigour you expect from a trusted GP."

Membership, appointments and how to access care

Many patients from Saffron Walden find our Membership option valuable for regular access and priority appointments. To check whether membership is right for you, visit: Is Mayfield Clinic membership right for you. All appointments should be booked online via the Book now button on our site. Members can also book directly by phone or WhatsApp. For practical details on accessing our services, see: How to access our GP services.

Meet the team

Our clinicians have broad general practice experience and provide the personal continuity many patients in Saffron Walden want. Meet the team here: Our team.

Location and practicalities for Saffron Walden patients

We list Saffron Walden among our nearby locations so residents can find us easily: Saffron Walden. Appointments for Saffron Walden patients are delivered from our Cambridge clinic — see details here: Cambridge location. Many patients from Saffron Walden travel to Cambridge for the speed and continuity of care we offer; we provide clear directions and flexible appointment times to make the journey straightforward.

Useful next steps

If you live in Saffron Walden and want fast access to a named GP, book online now using the Book now button on our site. If you’re unsure whether private GP care is right for you, our team will talk through options, costs and membership. For more on the specific services we provide, visit What our GPs can help with and check any exclusions at What our GPs can't help with.

For a direct route to care from Saffron Walden, book today and see how a private GP can help with diagnostics, referrals, prescriptions and personalised ongoing care from our Cambridge practice.