Starting out
No privileges, no private patients. Here's how to get them.
Every private hospital and clinic has its own approval process. Here is what they ask for and how to get through it faster.
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- steps
- 7
- steps
- to start
- 2 hours
- to start
The short answer
Practising privileges are granted hospital by hospital, usually through the Medical Advisory Committee, and a complete application is the single biggest factor in how long it takes. Expect two to four months from first contact. Talk to the hospital director before you apply, and send everything in one go.
What good looks like
Your profile, before and after
Mr Sam Patel, Consultant Orthopaedic surgery
- Improved: Privileges at Example
- Improved: Clinic and theatre time agreed
Illustrative sample, not a real person or result.
7 steps
Do it yourself: step by step
0 of 7 done
Close to your NHS base, with the theatres, imaging and beds your work needs, and recognised by the insurers your patients hold. Ask colleagues where the support is good.
- Time
- 2 hours
- Typical cost
- Free
- Who does it
- You
Done when: You have a shortlist of two sites with reasons
This problem is Solvable.
Copy this checklist
Practising privileges application checklist
Free to copy, adapt and use. No sign-up.
Before you apply
- Hospital chosen: [name]
- Met hospital director or medical director on [date]
- Next MAC meeting: [date], submission deadline: [date]
- Insurers recognising this hospital checked
Documents
- GMC registration and specialist register entry (number: [ ])
- Indemnity certificate covering private practice, with scope and expiry date
- Most recent appraisal summary and sign-off
- Responsible Officer name and designated body
- Revalidation date
- Enhanced DBS certificate (and update service number if subscribed)
- Occupational health clearance and immunisation status (including hepatitis B if exposure-prone procedures)
- CV, current
- References: [Name 1, clinical director], [Name 2], [Name 3]
- Scope of practice: list of procedures and conditions you will treat here
- Mandatory training certificates: life support, safeguarding adults and children, information governance, infection control
- Photo ID and right to work
- ICO registration number
- Any declarations: complaints, investigations, conditions or restrictions
Questions to ask the hospital
- What activity do you expect in the first year?
- What clinic rooms and theatre sessions are available, and on which days?
- Which insurers recognise this site for my specialty?
- What support do you give new consultants: GP events, newsletters, website profile?
- Do new procedures need proctoring or supervision?
- How often are privileges reviewed, and what do you ask for?
After approval
- Approval letter received
- Induction completed
- IT and system access set up
- Sessions agreed
- Insurer recognition applications sent
- Renewal dates added to diary
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Sending an incomplete pack and missing a MAC date, which can add a month or more.
- Leaving referees to respond in their own time instead of chasing them.
- A scope of practice so broad the MAC asks questions, or so narrow you cannot do the work you want.
- Applying to five hospitals at once and having no time to build activity at any of them.
- Forgetting to start insurer recognition until the first patient tries to book.
Free personal check
Done by Paul Robinson, not software
I'll check where your application stands and tell you what will slow it down
What I need from you
- Your specialty
- The one or two hospitals you are targeting
- Answers to eight tap questions
What you get
- Where your application is likely to stall
- The documents to sort first
- A realistic timeline to your first private list
Within 2 working days
No sign-in, no sales call. I read every request myself and reply on WhatsApp.
Free tools
Check where you stand
Benchmarks
£52 a year
ICO data protection fee, tier 1, for most sole-practitioner consultants (payments on or after 17 February 2025)
2 to 4 months
Typical time from first contact to approved privileges, driven by MAC dates and references (Solvable estimate: one to two MAC cycles plus reference turnaround)
Solvable estimate
Paul Robinson
14 years in UK private healthcare
I solve this one for consultants
Want a hand? I'll look at your situation and tell you the three things I'd tackle first.
A few quick questions, about two minutes. I read every one myself and usually reply the same day.
No sales call unless you ask for one. Just a straight answer from me.
I reply personally, usually the same day.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is a MAC?
The Medical Advisory Committee, a group of consultants and hospital managers that reviews applications for practising privileges. Most meet monthly or every few months.
How long does it take?
Usually two to four months, mostly waiting for references and the next MAC meeting.
Do I need my own indemnity?
Yes. NHS indemnity schemes only cover NHS bodies, and the GMC says doctors doing private practice must arrange adequate and appropriate cover. Hospitals will ask for your certificate.
Do I need to register with the ICO?
If you process patient data as a private consultant, you are likely to need to pay the data protection fee. Check with the ICO's self-assessment.
Can I apply before I have a consultant post?
Most hospitals require an entry on the GMC specialist register, and many expect a substantive consultant post or equivalent experience. Check with each hospital.
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