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Changes to Shared Care
Shared care refers to an arrangement where an NHS specialist and a GP work together to manage a patient’s treatment. This often involves the specialist initiating treatment and the GP taking over aspects such as prescribing and monitoring, if they agree to do so.
- A GP is not contractually obligated to enter into a shared care agreement.
- Shared care is only appropriate if a specialist continues to be involved in the patient's treatment.
- The GP must be satisfied that it's safe, appropriate, and supported by necessary systems and oversight.
- Shared care must not result in a complete transfer of responsibility to the GP without specialist involvement.
Some private providers have presented these agreements as "shared care" while fully shifting the prescribing burden to the GP - without the necessary expert support or oversight.
Read the full shared care policy notice
Published: Jul 24, 2026