How do I keep in touch with my peers as a private GP?
Building the peer contact, mentoring and updates that NHS structures used to give you.
The short answer
Build your network on purpose, because private practice has no practice team, PCN or LMC to do it for you. The most useful links are practical: a buddy GP for cover, a small peer group for case discussion and learning, a mentor, and events run by the RCGP, BMA, IDF and special-interest societies. Set up your own safety alerts and regulator updates too, as they no longer arrive through an NHS inbox.
Key points
- Private practice has no built-in network, so arrange peer contact before you need it.
- A written buddy arrangement with another private GP covers results and messages when you are away.
- A small peer group gives case discussion, shared learning and evidence for your appraisal.
- CQC-registered independent providers can ask the MHRA to receive Central Alerting System safety alerts.
- The BMA's 24-hour counselling service is open to all doctors, members or not.
Why it takes effort
NHS GPs are connected to peers almost by default, through their practice, their PCN, their LMC and local education. Private general practice has no equivalent structure, and working alone can be isolating. That matters for more than morale. Colleagues are how you sense-check a decision, cover a holiday, learn what other services do and hear about changes before they catch you out.
So build your network on purpose, and early. It is much easier to set up a buddy or a peer group before you need one.
Build it into how you work
The most useful connections are practical ones:
- A buddy GP. Another private GP who covers your urgent results and messages when you are away, and you do the same for them. Put it in writing. See running a private practice by yourself.
- A shared clinic or chambers-style group. Several independent GPs sharing premises, rotas, policies or reception, while each runs their own list. This gives continuity for patients and daily contact for you.
- Sessions elsewhere. Working a session a week in another private service, or keeping some NHS work, keeps you in touch with other clinicians and how they practise. See working in both the NHS and private practice.
- Your local consultants and clinicians. Referral relationships are also peer relationships. See finding local private clinicians and consultants.
Set up a peer group
A small group of four to eight private GPs meeting every month or two, in person or by video, is one of the most useful things you can do. Use it for:
- anonymised case discussion and second opinions
- significant events and complaints, and what each of you changed
- shared audit topics, so you can compare results
- business questions: pricing, suppliers, systems and CQC experiences
Keep brief notes of what you discussed and what you learned. Reflection on peer discussion is good supporting information for your appraisal. See appraisal and revalidation as a private GP.
Find a mentor
A mentor who already runs a private service can save you from avoidable mistakes on fees, regulation and workload. Mentoring is not supervision. It is a confidential relationship focused on your development, and it works best with clear goals and agreed boundaries.
- The RCGP provides free mentoring resources for mentors and mentees, and its First5 group supports early-career GPs.
- The FMLM runs a mentoring scheme for its members focused on leadership. At the time of review it says the scheme is paused while it is reviewed.
- Many mentoring relationships are informal. Ask a respected private GP directly. Most are happy to be asked.
Once you are established, consider mentoring someone else. It counts as professional development for you too.
Organisations and events
- RCGP local faculties run events and peer support for GPs in every setting.
- The BMA runs private practice conferences, including one aimed at GPs moving into private practice. See what the BMA offers private GPs.
- The IDF holds events for independent doctors through the year. See what the IDF is.
- Special-interest societies hold meetings where you meet GPs with the same focus. See joining professional associations.
- Local private hospitals often run education events for GPs. Spire and Nuffield Health hospitals, for example, list CPD events for GPs. They are also a good way to meet consultants.
Online groups
Messaging and social media groups for private GPs are a quick way to get answers and hear about jobs, suppliers and regulatory changes. Treat them as public. Never share anything that could identify a patient, follow the GMC's guidance on confidentiality and on doctors' use of social media, and remember that advice in a group chat is not a substitute for your medical defence organisation on a medico-legal question.
Stay up to date without an NHS inbox
Private GPs miss many of the bulletins that reach NHS practices automatically. Set these up yourself:
- Safety alerts. The MHRA's Central Alerting System issues patient safety alerts to the NHS and independent providers. To receive them, email the CAS helpdesk at safetyalerts@mhra.gov.uk with your organisation's details. Keep a log of each alert and what you did.
- Medicines safety. Subscribe to the MHRA's monthly Drug Safety Update.
- Your regulators. Sign up for GMC updates and, in England, CQC news for providers. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, follow HIS, HIW or the RQIA.
- Clinical guidance. Set alerts for NICE (or SIGN in Scotland) in the areas you treat.
- Private sector news. This forum's newsletter covers news and guidance for private GPs, if you want it in one place.
Look after yourself
Working alone can hide stress until it is serious. The BMA's 24-hour counselling and peer support service is free and confidential for all doctors, whether or not they are members. NHS Practitioner Health describes its service in England as for staff working in the NHS, so if you work only privately, contact it to check whether you are eligible. Your medical defence organisation may also offer support if you face a complaint or investigation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a peer group count towards my appraisal?
Yes, if you reflect on it. A short note on what you discussed, what you learned and what you changed is good supporting information.
Is it safe to discuss patients in a WhatsApp group?
Only if the case is fully anonymised and could not be identified from the details. If in doubt, leave it out, and use a secure route for any discussion that needs identifiable information.
How do I find other private GPs locally?
Ask the private hospitals and clinics near you, go to their GP education events and your RCGP faculty's meetings, and ask consultants you refer to which GPs they work with.
Should a mentor be a private GP?
For practical questions about private practice, yes, it helps. For leadership or career direction, a mentor from another setting can be just as useful.
