In short: Standish Medical Practice on High Street is the NHS GP surgery for many people in Standish, and it remains the right place for ongoing NHS care, repeat prescriptions and referrals. Ready Health, a few doors along at 22 High Street, is a separate CQC-registered private clinic you pay to use. Many local people use both: the NHS practice for their long-term care, and a private clinic for things such as blood tests, travel vaccines, medicals or quicker one-off appointments.

This guide explains, in plain terms, how an NHS GP practice and a private clinic in Standish differ, how they can work together, and how to decide which to contact.

What is the difference between an NHS GP practice and a private clinic?

An NHS GP practice holds your NHS medical record, coordinates your long-term care and refers you into NHS hospital services. Care is free at the point of use, although NHS prescription charges apply in England unless you are exempt.

A private clinic such as Ready Health is paid for directly by you (or sometimes by an employer or insurer). It does not replace your registered GP. Instead, it offers specific appointments, tests and services, usually bookable at a time that suits you.

Question	NHS GP practice (e.g. Standish Medical Practice)	Private clinic (Ready Health, Standish)
Cost	Free at the point of use; NHS prescription charges may apply	You pay for each appointment, test or service; prices are published before you book
Who can use it	Patients registered with the practice	Anyone who books; no NHS registration needed
Long-term conditions and repeat NHS prescriptions	Yes, this is a core role	Not a replacement; private prescriptions are charged separately
Referrals to NHS hospital services	Yes	Can refer to private consultants and scans; can write to your GP if NHS follow-up is needed
Travel vaccines, occupational and pre-employment medicals, fit-to-fly letters	Some NHS travel vaccines only; many medicals and letters are not NHS services	Yes, a range is available
Booking	Via the practice, the NHS App or the practice website	Online or by phone, with appointments typically offered within a few days

When should I contact my NHS GP practice in Standish?

Ongoing care for long-term conditions such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure or heart disease.
Repeat NHS prescriptions and medication reviews.
NHS screening invitations, childhood immunisations and NHS-funded vaccines you are eligible for.
Referral into NHS hospital or community services.
Anything where you want your full NHS record and continuity with the team that knows you.

If you are unsure where to go and it is not an emergency, NHS 111 (online or by phone) can direct you. Local community pharmacies can also treat several common conditions under the NHS Pharmacy First service in England.

When might a private clinic in Standish be useful?

People in Standish, Shevington, Wigan, Chorley and nearby areas tend to use a private clinic for things the NHS does not routinely provide, or where they would prefer to choose the time and pay for convenience. Examples at Ready Health include:

Blood tests and health checks requested by you, with results explained by a clinician.
Travel health: travel consultations, vaccines and malaria advice.
Medicals and paperwork: HGV, taxi, pre-employment and visa medicals, fit-to-fly letters and similar documents.
Procedures such as ear wax removal and skin lesion assessment.
Specialist services, including women's health and menopause clinics, men's health, ADHD assessment and talking therapies.
Access to private consultants and scans, where clinically appropriate.

Will my GP know if I use a private clinic?

Only if you agree. With your consent, a private clinician can send a summary or results to your NHS GP so your record stays complete. This is usually sensible, particularly if a new medicine is started or a result needs follow-up. If a private test shows something that needs NHS care, you can take the results to your GP practice.

What should I do in an emergency?

Neither a GP practice nor a private clinic is the right place for a medical emergency. Call 999 or go to A&E for anything life-threatening, such as chest pain, signs of a stroke or severe breathing difficulty. For urgent but non-life-threatening problems, use NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ready Health part of Standish Medical Practice?

No. Ready Health (High Street Health Ltd) is an independent private clinic. Standish Medical Practice, at 49 High Street, Standish, WN6 0HD, is a separate NHS GP practice. For NHS services, please contact the practice directly or find its details on the NHS website.

Do I need to leave my NHS GP to use a private clinic?

No. You stay registered with your NHS GP. A private clinic simply offers additional appointments and services you choose to pay for.

Can a private clinic issue prescriptions?

Yes, private prescriptions can be issued when a prescriber decides a medicine is appropriate after a consultation. You pay for the medicine privately; it is not an NHS prescription.

Do I need a referral to book at Ready Health?

Most appointments, tests and vaccines can be booked directly without a GP referral.

Key takeaways

Your NHS GP practice remains your home for long-term care, repeat NHS prescriptions and NHS referrals.
A private clinic in Standish is an optional, paid extra, not a replacement for your GP.
Private clinics are often used for tests, travel health, medicals and specialist appointments at a time that suits you.
With your consent, results can be shared with your GP to keep your care joined up.
For emergencies call 999; for urgent advice use NHS 111.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Would you like to see whether a private appointment, blood test or other service could help? Contact Ready Health in Standish or call 01257 676001 to book a consultation with one of our clinicians.

NHS GP or Private Clinic in Standish? How Ready Health Works Alongside Your GP