Website of the Department of Health

Whole Practice Appraisal for NHS doctors with a private practice

The Independent Healthcare Advisory Service (IHAS) has issued the accompanying guidance and forms for NHS doctors with a private practice. This guidance should be used in conjunction with NHS appraisal. The arrangements have been agreed between the IHAS, the Department of Health, the General Medical Council and the British Medical Association. The IHAS has issued separate guidance for those doctors working wholly in the independent sector.

Trusts should now begin implementing whole practice appraisal for all NHS doctors who have undertaken private practice during the period being appraised.

The main features of the system are:

• The process mirrors the existing NHS appraisal guidance and is based on the headings of the GMC’s Good Medical Practice.
• The independent sector hospital manager will verify in writing that the private practice data which the appraisee brings to the process is complete in terms of coverage and quality.  The hospital manager’s contact details will be made available to the NHS appraiser so that any areas of doubt can be discussed. 
• Where appropriate, the personal development plan agreed between the consultant and the NHS appraiser will be jointly supported by both the NHS and private provider. This will provide the possibility, where circumstances justify it, of shared development and support based on shared information. 
  
• While the exchange of confidential health information would be subject to consent from the appraisee themselves, the Occupational Health service may be called upon, where appropriate, to fulfil a liaison role between the NHS and the private provider. However, in most independent hospitals this liaison will be between the Trust Medical Director and the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee. 
  

• Download guidance document (PDF, 192K)
• Download Independent Healthcare Forum - briefing paper - Implementation of Whole Practice Appraisal (PDF, 159K)