Why Patients in Cambridgeshire Are Choosing Private Healthcare Services Before Consulting Their GP

In the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare needs and behaviours have shifted significantly — and we’ve seen this first-hand at The Waterside Practice. Increasingly, patients across Cambridgeshire are choosing to consult with private healthcare providers like us before contacting their GP. One of the most common reasons? A desire to be heard, helped, and treated without delay.

As a multidisciplinary private practice offering Osteopathy, Foot Health, Medical Acupuncture, and Massage Therapy, we've experienced a steady rise in patients turning to our team for guidance on painful or concerning issues — often before they've even spoken to their GP.

The NHS is under pressure — and patients feel it

We have nothing but respect and admiration for the NHS and its dedicated staff. The system is under unprecedented strain, and we understand the impact this has on appointment availability and waiting times. For many patients, however, this means difficulty accessing timely help — particularly when it comes to musculoskeletal pain and mobility issues affecting their daily life.

We often hear from people who have waited weeks for a GP appointment, only to be referred to NHS physiotherapy services with even longer waitlists and sporadic follow up appointments. In the meantime, their pain persists. For these individuals, taking matters into their own hands and booking a consultation with one of our Osteopaths or other therapists can feel like the most immediate and empowering option, allowing them to access hands-on therapy with a clear rehabilitation exercise plan.

A shift in mindset since the pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the UK were encouraged to take ownership of their health and live more active, balanced lifestyles. This public health message has had a lasting impact. We’ve seen a growing number of patients who want to stay active and healthy, and who are more motivated than ever to address pain or discomfort before it limits their day-to-day lives.

For many, waiting weeks or months for an NHS appointment simply isn’t viable when the goal is to keep moving, maintain independence, or continue working. Instead, they seek prompt assessment and advice — and that’s where private healthcare can step in to help.

An example from our Osteopathy team

Recently, one of our Osteopaths saw an elderly lady who came in with a painful condition, hoping for relief. Within just a few minutes, it was apparent that Osteopathy was not the appropriate approach for her issue. She was kindly referred back to her GP, along with the right information to support her in seeking further help.

This kind of experience is not unusual. What it highlights is the importance of having accessible, professional guidance — even if the outcome is redirection rather than treatment. Patients value the time, attention, and honesty they receive in that first point of contact.

We’re here to help — when and where it’s appropriate

At The Waterside Practice, we uphold a strong moral and professional code. We never treat beyond our remit, and we never offer therapy where it isn’t appropriate. What we do offer is time, careful listening, and a collaborative approach. If we can help, we do — and if we can’t, we guide patients towards the best next step, whether that’s their GP, another specialist, or a referral pathway.

A new landscape of care

For many, private healthcare no longer feels like a “last resort,” but rather a practical first step toward understanding and managing their health concerns. This isn’t about replacing GPs — it's about complementing existing care, especially when access is delayed and where necessary communicating back to the GP if further referral is advised by our trained professionals within the clinic.

We remain committed to supporting the community in a safe, ethical, and responsive way. Whether it’s a painful shoulder, foot discomfort, recurring headaches, or questions about posture and movement, our team is here to listen — and to act with integrity.

📍 Located in Warboys, Huntingdon, we welcome patients from across Cambridgeshire and beyond.
☎️ To enquire or book an appointment, call us on 01487 209 084 or email reception@thewatersidepractice.co.uk.

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