Sometimes the care of a patient is shared between a GP and a specialist, and there is a formalised written ‘shared care agreement’ setting out the how the care will be managed between them.
Shared Care with private providers is not recommended due to the general NHS constitution principle of keeping as clear a separation as possible between private and NHS care. The practice does not therefore enter into shared care agreements with private providers. If a patient’s care is subsequently transferred completely to the NHS, then the practice will review this under “shared care”.
Shared care may be appropriate for specific services where private providers are providing a commissioned NHS service and where agreed shared care arrangements are in place.