Dr Lucy Foster, who started working for Concierge Medical in the summer, lives in rural Warwickshire with her husband, two daughters and Labradors. She has been a qualified doctor for 12 years and a GP for six years.
“The main differences between the NHS and Concierge Medical really is time – time with patients; time for considered well thought-out clinical decision making; time for reflection on consultations; time to review current evidence base and guidance; time to spend with colleagues discussing patients and building important working relationships and more time with my own family.
“Being part of Concierge means I can enjoy being able to manage my own diary and working week.
“I also enjoy working with lovely, kind and like-minded doctors, as well as being able to spend the time I need to spend with my patients to ensure the best care and rapport for a meaningful, professional doctor-patient relationship.
“The team of doctors and support staff at Concierge Medical are truly some of the best people I have ever worked with and I received a very warm welcome from everyone in the team.
“Everything we do is focused on making the best possible experience for our patients, delivering safe, effective healthcare tailored to our patient’s needs.
“Our medical directors Dr Simon Gillson and Dr Karl Braine, who founded the practice, have been exceptionally supportive as we make the change from NHS work to private work.
“They appreciate that doctors who have balance in their life and are happy in their work provide safer healthcare and ultimately patients are happier and healthier.
“It is a move I would recommend to any GP thinking of making the change.”