Beechill Clinic – Private Medical Practice (Northern Ireland)
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which we provide private medical services. By booking an appointment or using our services, you are agreeing to these Terms.
We are registered with the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) in Northern Ireland and comply with relevant statutory and regulatory standards.
1. Our Doctors
1.1 All doctors (“Doctors”) are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), hold valid licences to practise, and undertake annual appraisal and revalidation in line with GMC requirements.
1.2 Doctors hold valid medical malpractice indemnity insurance with approved UK medical defence organisations.
1.3 All services are delivered in English.
2. Nature of Our Service
2.1 We are not an emergency service. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, you must dial 999 immediately.
2.2 Examples of emergencies include (but are not limited to): loss of consciousness, acute confusion, seizures, persistent severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, severe allergic reactions, and severe burns or scalds.
2.3 Our doctors may advise onward referral, investigations, or treatment, but this does not replace your NHS GP or emergency services.
3. Booking, Payment and Fees
3.1 All consultation fees must be paid in advance at the time of booking.
3.2 The consultation fee covers the time and expertise of the doctor. Additional services (such as blood tests, swabs, urine samples, imaging, vaccinations, fitness testing, and prescriptions) are charged separately.
3.3 Payment for additional services must be made in advance before they are carried out.
3.4 Prescription costs are independent of the clinic and payable directly to the dispensing pharmacy.
4. Fees and Charges
At Beechill Clinic, we are committed to being open and transparent about our fees. The cost of your consultation will be confirmed at the time of booking.
In addition to consultation fees, the following charges may apply:
- Prescription Administration Fee: A £15 administration fee applies to each prescription issued.
- Radiology Administration Fee: A £30 fee will be applied for processing any requests for scans or X-rays. (Radiology providers automatically send copies to patients; this fee relates to administration via the clinic.)
- Letters of Support: A £30 fee applies for any additional letters requested outside routine clinical correspondence (e.g. PIP or other benefits/support applications).
- Review of External Test Results: Review of complex test results not arranged by Beechill Clinic requires a dedicated appointment. A 15-minute review appointment will be charged at £110.
We will always confirm any additional costs before proceeding.
5. Cancellations, DNA (Did Not Attend) and Lateness
5.1 Appointments cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled time: full refund or transfer.
5.2 Appointments cancelled less than 48 hours before, late cancellations, or non-attendance: full fee is retained.
5.3 If you arrive late, the consultation time will be reduced accordingly. If you are 20 minutes late or more, the appointment is forfeited and the full fee charged.
5.4 If a doctor needs to cancel, at least 24 hours’ notice will be given where possible, and a full refund or reschedule will be offered.
6. Covid-19 and Infection Control
6.1 If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or another infectious illness, you must not attend the clinic in person.
6.2 Where appropriate and safe, a remote consultation (e.g., telephone or video) will be offered.
6.3 Infection control procedures follow current RQIA and Department of Health guidance.
7. Medical Records and Communication with NHS GP
7.1 We will ask for details of your medical history and it is your responsibility to provide accurate and complete information.
7.2 With your consent, copies of consultation letters, test results, and treatment plans may be forwarded to your NHS GP or other healthcare providers.
7.3 Your NHS GP is under no obligation to act on any recommendations made by our doctors.
8. Investigations and Referrals
8.1 Further investigations (blood tests, swabs, imaging) may be recommended by your doctor. These are carried out on a private, self-pay basis unless covered by private insurance.
8.2 Imaging and other specialist services are provided by third-party providers, for which you are responsible for payment.
8.3 Referrals to specialists can be arranged privately or via insurance, where applicable. The clinic is not responsible for insurance authorisation.
8.4 If you choose not to proceed with investigations or referrals recommended by your doctor, you agree to release the doctor and clinic from liability arising from this decision.
9. Prescriptions and Medications
9.1 Prescriptions are issued only following a consultation and at the discretion of the doctor.
9.2 Prescriptions are for personal use only and must be kept securely.
9.3 Private prescriptions must be dispensed at a pharmacy of your choice, and costs are set independently by the pharmacy.
9.4 Lost prescriptions may incur an additional fee for reissue.
9.5 An administration fee of £15 per prescription applies, as outlined above.
10. Standards of Behaviour
10.1 We do not tolerate abusive, aggressive, or offensive behaviour towards staff or doctors.
10.2 Continued inappropriate use of services may result in termination of access to the clinic.
11. Liability
11.1 Our doctors may hold differing but reasonable clinical opinions. This does not indicate defective service.
11.2 We are not liable for the acts or omissions of third-party laboratories, pharmacies, or referral providers.
11.3 Nothing in these terms excludes liability for death or personal injury arising from negligence.
12. Events Outside Our Control
We are not liable for delays or failures caused by events outside our reasonable control (including strikes, pandemics, natural disasters, utility failures, or IT disruption).
13. Complaints
13.1 We have a separate Complaints Policy available on our website.
13.2 Complaints may be made verbally, in writing, or by email. They will be acknowledged within 72 hours and handled in line with RQIA standards.
14. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Northern Ireland.