Private GP in Surbiton: Fast Appointments & 20-Minute Consults

Why Choose Private GP Services in Surbiton?

The demand for private healthcare in Surbiton and the wider Kingston upon Thames area has grown significantly in recent years. Patients are increasingly seeking an alternative to the stretched NHS system, not through dissatisfaction with NHS care quality, but due to the practical challenges of securing timely appointments and receiving adequate consultation time.

Lambert Medical Practice was established to address these challenges head-on. We recognise that health concerns don't always align with appointment availability weeks in advance. When you're feeling unwell, managing a chronic condition, or require urgent certification for work or travel, waiting isn't always a viable option.

Our private GP service offers several distinct advantages:

• Rapid Access: Same-week appointments are our standard, with urgent slots often available within 24-48 hours.
• Extended Consultation Time: Every appointment is minimum 20 minutes, allowing thorough discussion without feeling rushed.
• Continuity of Care: See the same GP for ongoing conditions, building a relationship with a clinician who knows your history.
• Comprehensive Services: From acute illness management to preventative health checks, vaccinations, and specialised medicals under one roof.
• Convenient Location: Easily accessible from Surbiton, Kingston, and surrounding South-West London areas with good transport links.
• Flexible Scheduling: Early morning, evening, and weekend appointments to fit around work and family commitments.

The 20-Minute Minimum Consultation: What It Means for You

One of the most distinctive features of Lambert Medical Practice is our commitment to minimum 20-minute consultations. In contrast to the typical 10-minute NHS appointment—or even shorter slots that have become increasingly common—this extended time makes a meaningful clinical difference.

Why Time Matters in General Practice

Research consistently demonstrates that longer consultations lead to better health outcomes. With adequate time, GPs can:

• Take a comprehensive history without interruption
• Conduct thorough examinations when clinically indicated
• Discuss multiple concerns in a single visit
• Explore psychological and social factors affecting health
• Provide detailed explanations about diagnoses and treatment options
• Address preventative health and lifestyle factors
• Build therapeutic relationships that improve patient engagement

At Lambert Medical Practice, our clinical director ensures that every GP adheres to this time commitment. We actively discourage the practice of "one problem per appointment" that has become unfortunately necessary in some settings. If you arrive with multiple concerns, we have the time to address them properly or schedule a follow-up without delay.

What Happens During Your 20-Minute Appointment?

When you attend Lambert Medical Practice, your consultation follows a structured but flexible approach:

Initial Discussion (5-7 minutes): You'll have time to explain your symptoms, concerns, or health goals in detail. The GP will ask relevant questions to understand the full clinical picture, including your medical history, current medications, and any relevant family history or lifestyle factors.

Clinical Examination (5-8 minutes if required): When appropriate, a thorough physical examination is conducted. This might include checking vital signs, examining specific body systems, or performing diagnostic tests available on-site.

Diagnosis and Management Plan (5-7 minutes): The GP will explain their findings in clear, accessible language. Together, you'll discuss treatment options, which might include prescriptions, referrals to specialists, lifestyle modifications, or further investigations. You'll receive a written summary of the consultation and management plan.

Questions and Follow-up (remaining time): There's always time for your questions. If you need further appointments, these can be arranged before you leave, often within the same week.

Flu Vaccinations and Seasonal Protection

Influenza remains a significant public health concern, particularly for vulnerable populations and during peak winter months. Lambert Medical Practice provides comprehensive flu vaccination services for adults and children, using the latest vaccine formulations recommended by UK health authorities.

Who Should Consider Flu Vaccination?

While the NHS offers free flu jabs to specific groups, many people outside these categories benefit from vaccination. We recommend private flu vaccination for:

• Working professionals who cannot afford extended illness absence
• Frequent travellers, especially during flu season
• Parents who wish to protect their children and households
• Individuals in regular contact with vulnerable people
• Anyone with a previous history of severe influenza complications
• Those planning winter holidays or gatherings

Our flu vaccination service includes a brief clinical assessment to ensure suitability, administration of the vaccine, a 15-minute observation period, and documentation for your records. If you've experienced side effects or have concerns about vaccines, our GPs take time to discuss these thoroughly, ensuring you can make an informed decision.

The vaccine is typically available from September through to March, with peak demand in October and November. We maintain good stock levels throughout the season and can usually accommodate walk-ins or same-day bookings. The entire process takes approximately 20-30 minutes from arrival to departure.

Medical Certificates and Fitness-to-Work Assessments

Lambert Medical Practice provides a comprehensive range of medical certification services for employment, insurance, education, and sports purposes. All certificates are issued following appropriate clinical assessment and are recognised by UK employers, institutions, and regulatory bodies.

Types of Certificates We Provide

Fit-to-Work Certificates (Sick Notes): If you're unable to work due to illness, we provide private sick notes that document your condition and recommended absence period. Unlike NHS fit notes that require an initial seven-day self-certification period, private certificates can be issued from day one of illness if required by your employer.

Fitness-to-Return Certificates: Following illness or injury, your employer may request medical clearance before you resume duties. We conduct appropriate assessments and provide certification confirming your fitness to return to work, with or without temporary restrictions if necessary.

Pre-Employment Medicals: Many employers require medical clearance before confirming job offers, particularly for roles in healthcare, transport, or physically demanding occupations. Our pre-employment assessments include relevant medical history, examination, and completion of employer-specific forms.

Fitness-to-Train Certificates: Gyms, personal trainers, and sports clubs often require medical clearance before starting intensive training programmes. We provide fitness-to-train certificates following cardiovascular and musculoskeletal assessment.

Insurance Medicals: Life insurance, income protection, and travel insurance policies may require medical examinations. We complete insurance company forms and conduct examinations as specified by underwriters.

All certificates are issued on the same day where possible, with digital copies provided via email for your convenience. If additional investigations are needed before certification, we'll arrange these promptly and complete your certificate once results are available.

DVLA Driving Medicals: Group 1 and Group 2

Maintaining your driving licence is essential for employment and independence. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) requires medical examinations for various circumstances, and Lambert Medical Practice is experienced in conducting both Group 1 (car and motorcycle) and Group 2 (lorry and bus) medicals to DVLA standards.

When DVLA Medicals Are Required

You may need a DVLA medical examination if you:

• Are applying for or renewing a Group 2 (lorry/bus) licence
• Have been diagnosed with certain medical conditions affecting driving ability
• Have been requested by DVLA to undergo examination following licence review
• Are applying for taxi or private hire vehicle licensing
• Need to demonstrate fitness to drive following illness or injury
• Are over 70 and declared certain health conditions

What the Examination Involves

DVLA medical examinations follow strict protocols to ensure road safety standards are met:

Medical History Review: Comprehensive discussion of your medical history, current health conditions, medications, and any factors that might affect driving ability. This includes cardiovascular history, diabetes management, neurological conditions, sleep disorders, and substance use.

Physical Examination: Assessment of cardiovascular system including blood pressure measurement, neurological examination including reflexes and coordination, visual acuity testing, and musculoskeletal assessment of mobility and limb function.

Specific Assessments: For Group 2 licences, more stringent criteria apply. This may include ECG (electrocardiogram) if over 45 or with cardiac risk factors, urinalysis for drivers with diabetes, and assessment of sleep apnoea risk factors.

The examination typically takes 30-40 minutes. We complete the DVLA medical form (D4 for Group 2) during your appointment, and you leave with the completed documentation. If additional tests are required, we arrange these efficiently and complete your forms once results are available.

Our GPs are familiar with DVLA medical standards and can advise on your likelihood of meeting the criteria before you commit to the examination fee. If there are concerns, we can discuss these openly and recommend any necessary follow-up with specialists if needed.

Sports Medicals and Athletic Assessments

Whether you're joining a gym, starting competitive sports, or planning an adventure activity, Lambert Medical Practice provides comprehensive sports medical assessments. These examinations ensure you can participate safely in physical activities and identify any risk factors that need addressing.

Who Needs Sports Medicals?

Sports medicals are commonly required or recommended for:

• Individuals over 40 starting new exercise programmes
• Competitive athletes at any level
• Those with known cardiovascular risk factors or family history
• People with pre-existing health conditions wanting to exercise safely
• Sports club or team participation requirements
• Pre-marathon or endurance event screening
• Diving, aviation, or extreme sports clearance

Components of Our Sports Medical Assessment

Our sports medicals are tailored to the specific activity but typically include:

Cardiovascular Screening: Detailed cardiac history including family history of sudden cardiac death or early heart disease, blood pressure measurement and heart rate assessment, heart sounds examination, and ECG if clinically indicated or for high-level competition.

Respiratory Assessment: Exercise-induced asthma screening, lung function assessment, and advice on asthma management during sport if relevant.

Musculoskeletal Examination: Joint mobility and stability assessment, previous injury review and rehabilitation status, and identification of injury risk factors.

General Health Screen: Body composition and fitness level discussion, nutritional adequacy for athletic demands, hydration and thermoregulation advice, and medication review for any substances that might affect performance or eligibility.

For elite or competitive athletes, we can arrange more detailed screening including exercise ECG, echocardiography referrals, or specialist sports medicine consultations. Our approach is proportionate to the level of activity and individual risk profile.

Following assessment, you receive a written report including fitness certification where appropriate, recommendations for pre-participation conditioning, advice on injury prevention, and management plans for any identified health concerns.

Comprehensive Health Checks and Preventative Screening

Preventative healthcare is a cornerstone of effective general practice. Lambert Medical Practice offers structured health check programmes designed to identify risk factors early and provide actionable lifestyle guidance. These checks are suitable for anyone wanting to take a proactive approach to their health.

What's Included in Our Health Checks?

Our comprehensive health assessments include:

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Blood pressure measurement, cholesterol and lipid profile (blood test), diabetes screening (HbA1c or glucose), BMI and waist circumference measurement, smoking history and cessation support if needed, and 10-year cardiovascular risk calculation.

Metabolic Health: Liver function tests, kidney function tests, thyroid function screening, diabetes screening or monitoring, and vitamin D levels if indicated.

Cancer Awareness: Age-appropriate cancer screening discussions, family history assessment, advice on NHS screening programmes (bowel, breast, cervical), and skin examination if concerns exist.

Lifestyle and Mental Health: Physical activity levels and personalised exercise advice, nutritional assessment and dietary guidance, alcohol consumption review, stress and sleep quality evaluation, and mental health screening.

Health checks typically involve an initial 30-minute consultation, blood tests (results available within 48-72 hours), and a follow-up appointment to discuss results and create a personalised health optimisation plan. For patients requiring hormonal screening or considering structured weight management, we can integrate these into your health check pathway.

Prescriptions and Referrals: Seamless Healthcare Pathways

As a full-service private GP practice, Lambert Medical Practice can issue private prescriptions and arrange specialist referrals as needed during your consultation. This ensures continuity of care without bureaucratic delays.

Private Prescriptions

We can prescribe any medication that is clinically appropriate and legal to prescribe in the UK. Private prescriptions are filled by any community pharmacy of your choice. While medications must be paid for at the pharmacy, the advantage is immediate access without delay.

For patients who regularly require repeat prescriptions, we offer efficient prescription management systems. You can request repeats via phone or email, and we'll have them ready for collection or posted to your preferred pharmacy within 24-48 hours.

Specialist Referrals

When specialist input is needed, our GPs have established relationships with consultants across all major specialties in South-West London and beyond. We can arrange referrals to NHS consultants (if you have an NHS GP and wish to use your NHS entitlement) or private specialists for faster access.

Private referral pathways typically result in consultant appointments within 1-2 weeks rather than months, with investigations and procedures following promptly. We provide detailed referral letters ensuring the specialist has all necessary information, and request that specialists copy us on reports to maintain continuity of your care.

Pricing Transparency and What to Expect

Lambert Medical Practice believes in transparent pricing. All fees are clearly communicated before booking, with no hidden charges. While we cannot provide an exhaustive price list in this article (as fees are reviewed periodically), the booking system displays current costs for each service.

Typical Fee Structure

Private GP consultation fees typically reflect the time and expertise provided:

• Standard 20-minute GP consultation: Base consultation fee
• Extended 30-40 minute consultations: Higher fee for complex cases or multiple issues
• Flu vaccination: Includes vaccine, consultation, and administration
• Medical certificates: Fee per certificate, sometimes included in consultation fee
• DVLA medicals: Fixed fee covering examination and form completion (additional charges if ECG or other tests required)
• Sports medicals: Fee varies depending on complexity and any additional tests
• Health checks: Package fee covering consultation, blood tests, and follow-up

Blood tests, ECGs, and other investigations are typically charged separately from consultation fees. Prescriptions incur a small administration fee, plus the cost of medication at the pharmacy. We recommend checking with your private health insurance, as many policies cover private GP consultations.

Booking Your Appointment at Lambert Medical Practice

Accessing our services is straightforward. Our online booking system is available 24/7, allowing you to select appointment times that suit your schedule. Most appointments are available within 3-5 working days, with urgent slots often available sooner.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

To make the most of your consultation, please bring:

• List of current medications including doses
• Any recent medical letters or test results
• Your NHS medical records summary if available (we can request this with your consent)
• Specific forms if you need these completed (DVLA, employer, insurance)
• Written questions or symptom diary if helpful

If you're unsure whether private GP care is right for your situation, you can call our reception team who can provide guidance. For patients new to Surbiton or South-West London, we're easily accessible from Kingston station with parking available nearby.

Continuity of Care: Building Long-Term Relationships

While many patients use private GP services for specific needs like medicals or urgent appointments, we encourage continuity of care where appropriate. Seeing the same GP for ongoing health concerns allows them to understand your health journey, build trust, and provide personalised care that accounts for your individual circumstances and preferences.

For patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma, we offer structured monitoring programmes with regular review appointments. This ensures optimal disease management without the extended waits often encountered in NHS chronic disease clinics.

Our GPs also coordinate care with NHS services where patients are registered with NHS GPs. We can liaise with your NHS practice, ensuring that important information is shared (with your consent) and that you benefit from both private and NHS care as appropriate.

Additional Services to Support Your Health

Beyond traditional GP consultations, Lambert Medical Practice offers several complementary services that may enhance your healthcare experience:

For patients interested in detailed insight into their health status, our AI-enhanced blood testing service provides comprehensive analysis with personalised next steps. Those seeking optimisation of hormonal health can explore our hormonal MOT programmes.

Athletes and active individuals may benefit from our medical IV therapy programmes, whilst those with specific wellness goals might consider our NAD⁺ therapy services under medical supervision.

For patients seeking structured support with weight management, our medical weight-loss programme combines GP oversight with nutritionist support and tailored exercise guidance.