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A code of conduct for private practice: recommended standards of practice for NHS consultants

This document sets out recommended standards of best practice for NHS consultants in England about their conduct in relation to private practice. The standards are designed to apply equally to honorary contract holders in respect of their work for the NHS. The code covers all private work, whether undertaken in non-NHS or NHS facilities.

The Code is based on the following key principles:

• NHS consultants and NHS employing organisations should work on a partnership basis to prevent any conflict of interest between private practice and NHS work. It is also important that NHS consultants and NHS organisations minimise the risk of any perceived conflicts of interest; although no consultant should suffer any penalty (under the code) simply because of a perception;
• the provision of services for private patients should not prejudice the interest of NHS patients or disrupt NHS services;
• with the exception of the need to provide emergency care, agreed NHS commitments should take precedence over private work; and
• NHS facilities, staff and services may only be used for private practice with the prior agreement of the NHS employer.
  

• Download code of conduct (PDF, 69K)