Spire Washington Hospital
Private
Picktree Lane, Washington NE38 9JZ
Houghton Primary Care Centre, Houghton Le Spring DH4 5GU
Sunderland Royal Hospital
NHS CQC: Requires improvement
Kayll Road, Sunderland SR4 7TP
Private specialist and consultant clinics
Specialist medical clinics are led by consultants in a particular field — cardiology, dermatology, ENT (ear, nose and throat), gastroenterology, urology and many others. Consultants are doctors on the GMC's specialist register, and private clinics and hospitals in England are registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission. Information on private consultants' fees and outcomes is also published by PHIN (the Private Healthcare Information Network).
How you access a specialist
You can usually see a private specialist with a referral from your GP (NHS or private), and sometimes by self-referral depending on the clinic. A referral letter helps the consultant understand your history. If you have private medical insurance, check whether your policy requires a GP referral and pre-authorisation.
What to expect
- Consultation — assessment of your symptoms and history, often with examination.
- Investigations — tests or scans arranged to reach a diagnosis.
- Treatment plan — options discussed, which may be delivered privately or via the NHS.
Choosing a consultant
Check that the consultant is on the GMC specialist register for their field and that the clinic is CQC-registered. This page is general information, not medical advice — always discuss your condition with a qualified clinician.
Last updated: 2026-07-22
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually yes — a referral from a GP (NHS or private) is common and helps the consultant understand your history, though some clinics accept self-referral. If you have private medical insurance, check whether a referral and pre-authorisation are required.
Consultants should be on the GMC's specialist register for their field, which you can check on the General Medical Council website. The clinic or hospital should also be registered with and rated by the Care Quality Commission.
Yes. You might see a consultant privately for a faster assessment and then continue treatment on the NHS, or vice versa. Good clinics will share information with your GP, with your consent, so your care stays joined up.