Seasonal Health Insights – Summer Edition
As the days grow longer and the pace of life shifts with summer’s arrival, it’s the perfect time to check in on your health and wellbeing. Whether you’re travelling, spending more time outdoors, or simply enjoying a slower rhythm, staying well makes all the difference.
At Cambridge Private Doctors, we’re here to support you through the season with expert, personalised care—whether in-person or remotely. From preventative screenings to new services and practical health advice, we’re focused on helping you feel your best this summer and beyond.
Here’s to a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer!
Warm wishes,
The CPD Team
Why Choose Private GP Care?
As access to NHS GPs becomes increasingly limited, many patients are exploring private general practice as a way to take more control of their health. At Cambridge Private Doctors, we believe in offering something that’s hard to find elsewhere: time, attention, and truly personal care.
What Makes Private GP Appointments Different?
- More time for you: Standard appointment times are typically 30 minutes or longer—giving us space to explore symptoms fully and plan effectively.
- Rapid access: Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available, whether in person or via video.
- Continuity with the same doctor: You won’t need to repeat your history at every visit.
- Access to advanced tests and treatments: We can offer prompt referrals, private prescriptions (including newer medications like weight-loss treatments), and proactive investigations.
- Holistic support: Whether it’s menopause, mental health, fatigue, or preventative care, we look at the bigger picture—not just isolated symptoms.
Our Perspective as Private GPs
Many of us have worked for years within theNHS and continue to support it. We understand the pressures NHS GPs face—particularly when they’re stretched thin and dealing with complex needs in short time slots.
We’ve chosen private practice not to replace the NHS, but to offer patients an alternative—one that prioritises time, personalised care, and faster access. We also believe private care helps ease pressure on NHS services, offering a valuable complement to the wider healthcare system.
Equity Matters
We’re mindful that private care isn’t an option for everyone. That’s why we’re committed to fair pricing, transparent communication, and referring back to the NHS when appropriate. Our goal is to work alongside the broader system, not outside it.
Heading Off on Holiday in the UK This Summer?
Even while you’re away from Cambridge, we’re still here if you need us.
If you’re travelling within the UK this summer, Cambridge Private Doctors remains fully accessible for remote care.Whether you’re on the coast, in the countryside, or visiting family elsewhere:
We Can Still Help You:
- Book a remote consultation (phone or video) with one of our GPs
- Get advice, support, and follow-up without needing to return to Cambridge
- Prescriptions sent electronically to a pharmacy anywhere in the UK—so you can access the medication you need, wherever you are
We know that medical issues don’t pause for holidays. If anything arises—whether it’s an infection, flare-up, or just something you’d rather not leave unresolved—please reach out.
Just call or email reception, and we’ll get you booked in quickly.
Enjoy your summer—and travel with peace of mind knowing we’re still only a phone call away.
Strong Bones for Life: What You Should Know About Osteoporosis & Osteopenia
Bone health matters at every age—but especially as we get older. From our 30s onward, bone density naturally declines, and by the time we reach 50, the risk of fragility fractures increases significantly. Around 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men will experience one in their lifetime.
Who’s at Risk?
Bone loss can affect anyone, but risk is higher for:
- Women after menopause
- Adults over 50
- Smokers and those who drink heavily
- People with low calcium or vitamin D, certain health conditions (e.g. thyroid issues, diabetes), or taking certain medications like steroids
- Those with a family history of fractures or osteoporosis
What Is Osteopenia?
Osteopenia is reduced bone density—not yet osteoporosis, but a warning sign. It typically has no symptoms and is often found after a scan or minor fracture. Without action, it may progress to osteoporosis.
How Is It Diagnosed?
A DEXA scan (bone density scan) is the gold standard, often used alongside the FRAX tool to estimate 10-year fracture risk. While there’s no NHS screening programme, assessment is key for those at risk.
Prevention & Management
You can take simple but effective steps to protect your bones:
- Weight-bearing and strength-training exercises (e.g. walking, Pilates, yoga)
- Adequate dietary calcium (700–1200mg/day) and vitamin D(800–1000 IU/day), especially in winter
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
- Healthy, balanced diet with enough protein
Tip: Vegan and vegetarian diets may be linked to lower bone density. If following one, speak to us about supplement options.
Prescription medications (like bisphosphonates or HRT) may be needed for those with osteoporosis or high fracture risk.
Coming Soon: DEXA Scanning in Cambridge
We’re excited to soon offer DEXA scans in Cambridge, making it easier than ever to assess your bone health and take proactive steps.
If you’d like to discuss your bone health, please get in touch—we’re always happy to help.
Cervical Screening Just Got Easier: Self-Testing HPV Kits Now Available
We’re pleased to now offer home HPV self-sampling kits for cervical screening—a convenient, private option for patients who may find traditional smear tests uncomfortable, difficult to access, or easy to delay.
What’s new?
The NHS is now rolling out HPV self-testing kits as part of national cervical screening, and we are offering the same option privately to our patients.
These easy-to-use home kits can be posted directly to you for £50. They allow you to collect a sample yourself in the comfort of your home and return it by post to a lab for analysis.
Why test for HPV?
High-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes over 99% of cervical cancers. Screening for HPV is now the first step in cervical screening. If your sample shows no high-risk HPV, no further action is usually needed until your next test.
How it works:
- Book a telephone consultation with one of our GPs to check that self-testing is suitable for you.
- We’ll send the kit to your home with full instructions.
- Return it via post to the lab for processing.
- We’ll follow up with your results and next steps, if needed.
This is a safe, accurate, and clinically approved screening method—ideal if you’ve missed recent tests or prefer a discreet, at-home option.
To arrange your test, simply contact receptionto book a 20 minute telephone appointment.
Your Health, Your Way: Male MOTs That Put Patients First
Over the past eight months, we’ve delivered more than 30 Male MOTs, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Our aim is simple but important: to provide a personalised, patient-centred health check that avoids the pitfalls of generic,“one-size-fits-all” testing. We’ve deliberately avoided glossy packaging, unnecessary investigations, and inflated price tags.
Why? Because many of the screening packages offered elsewhere—featuring broad blood panels, cardiac testing, or full-body MRI scans—are not supported by leading medical bodies in the UK, Europe, or North America. These tests can lead to false reassurance or unnecessary worry, often triggering follow-up procedures that do more harm than good.
In contrast, our Male MOTs are designed byexperienced GPs—Dr. Howlett and Dr. Nagadev—to be:
- Evidence-based
- Tailored to your individual risks and needs
- Clear, practical, and focused on long-term health
We’re here to help you make meaningful changes that improve your health outcomes, not just fill a checklist.
What our patients are saying:
100% of respondents said the health check met their expectations.
“Rob has a relaxed and friendly manner. I felt in good hands.”
“Thorough but to the point. I knew I needed to lose weight, and I appreciated how clearly you communicated that.”
“It was structured to provide a good personal assessment. It met expectations—and more importantly, gave me space to ask questions about any concerns I had.”
“Was very happy with the health check.”
We’re grateful for your feedback—it’s what keeps our care thoughtful, focused, and relevant.
Book your Male MOT today via our website.
Your health deserves better than one-size-fits-all.
Introducing Our Comprehensive Health & Wellbeing Assessment- COMING SOON IN SEPTEMBER
We’re excited to launch a new Health & Wellbeing Assessment—a complete and personalised overview of your physical and mental health that goes far beyond a standard check-up.
What’s Involved?
Before your appointment, you’ll complete a detailed lifestyle and health questionnaire, covering:
- Medical history
- Nutrition
- Exercise habits
- Sleep
- Stress & mental wellbeing
This allows us to understand your health in context—not just isolated numbers.
In-Person Assessment at Gillvray Health Includes:
- Full blood tests
- ECG(electrocardiogram)
- VO₂ max test to assess cardiovascular fitness
- Mobility and strength screening
Follow-Up Consultation
You’ll have a one-to-one session with Dr Gillvray, including a full review of results, examination, and co-creation of a tailored health plan.
Ongoing support is available via the Gillvray Health app, and our team includes a:
- Nutritionist
- Health coach
- Personal trainer
- Breath coach
Whether you’re looking to optimise fitness, reduce health risks, or simply feel better day-to-day, this assessment provides a powerful starting point for long-term health and resilience.
The cost is £1000
To book or learn more, email us at enquiries@cambridgeprivatedoctors.co.uk
What Our Patients Are Saying
We’re always grateful for your feedback—it helps us improve and ensures we continue delivering the care you expect from Cambridge Private Doctors.
What You Appreciate
- Patients consistently praise our GPs for being compassionate, thorough, and highly knowledgeable, with many saying they feel truly listened to and supported.
- Several highlighted how quick results, regular updates, and smooth care pathways helped them feel confident and reassured.
- Many value the ease of online booking, the speed of appointments, and the availability of services like blood tests and home kits.
- Our role as a reliable alternative when NHS access is limited was also mentioned, with patients appreciating the choice, flexibility, and continuity we provide.
- The quality of care from our whole clinical team—doctors and support staff—received strong praise.
Where We’re Working to Improve
We’ve also heard some constructive suggestions and concerns:
- Some patients found it difficult to access the right pricing for members when booking online.
- Visibility remains a theme—several of you only heard about us through word of mouth, and suggested we could be better known in the local community.
What We’re Doing
We’re actively reviewing how to:
- Ensure clearer member pricing at booking by updating our website and making things more clear.
- Make our clinic more visible to those who might benefit from what we offer.
Thank you again for your insights and for placing your trust in us.
HeidiHealth: AI Transcription in Consultations
Some of our GPs are now using HeidiHealth,a secure AI transcription tool that helps document consultations in realtime—so your doctor can focus more fully on you.
Why we’re using it:
- More eye contact and conversation, less typing
- Faster referral letters and follow-up
- Accurate and clear records
Your privacy matters:
- No audio recordings are stored
- All data is handled securely and deleted promptly
- You’ll always be informed and can opt out at any time
You can learn more at www.heidihealth.com.
Membership
At Cambridge Private Doctors, we offer a subscription service, MyWebGP, designed to provide you with direct access to your doctor seven days a week. With priority access to appointments and secure messaging, you can consult your doctor about any medical concerns as they arise.
Membership Options:
- Individual: £23 per month
- Couples: £37 per month
- Families: £46 per month
- Menopause: £16 per month
Benefits Include:
- Direct Access: Communicate with your doctor via a secure messaging app.
- Responsive Care: Your doctor will respond as quickly as possible to your queries.
- No Charge for Discussions: Messaging with your doctor is included; additional fees apply for video, telephone, or face-to-face consultations.
- Repeat Prescriptions: Issued without additional charges, with delivery to your home or workplace.
- Referral Services: Arrange referrals to consultants without necessarily needing a face-to-face appointment, at no extra cost.
- Priority Appointments: Enjoy priority access to appointment bookings.
Getting Started:
- Select Your Membership: Choose the plan that suits you and set up a direct debit.
- Activate Your Subscription: Notify us once completed, and we’ll activate your membership and provide access details.
- New Patient Medical: New patients are requested to book a 45-minute medical assessment, discounted at 20% compared to a standard health check.
For more information or to sign up, please visit our Membership Page or contact us.
Multiple Venues for our Clinics
Don’t forget, we now have multiple venues including in Saffron Walden
And if you can’t find an appointment online, give us a call 01223 967995 or email us (enquiries@cambridgeprivatedoctors.co.uk) and we’ll try to fit you in
www.cambridgeprivatedoctors.co.uk
Follow us on Instagram @cambridgeprivatedoctors