Why I Chose Private GP: A Personal Journey to Better Patient Care
- Mehrdad Bordbar
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
Author: Dr Mehrdad Bordbar BMBS MMedSc MRCGP AFMCP - Clinical Director and Private GP at Olivine Clinic, Dorchester.
The landscape of healthcare in 2026 is evolving rapidly. After 12 years of service within the NHS, spanning the rigours of secondary care hospital specialties to the frontline of primary care, I reached a pivotal realisation: to provide truly rewarding, high-quality medical care, the environment must support the physician’s ability to listen.
The "bottom line" for my patients in West Dorset is this: Private GP care at Olivine Clinic isn't just about shorter wait times; it is about a fundamental shift from reactive "crisis management" to proactive, precision medicine. By moving to private practice in Poundbury, I have reclaimed the time and tools, such as Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS), necessary to treat patients as individuals, not just statistics.
1. The Luxury of Time: Moving Beyond the 10-Minute Consultation
In the traditional NHS model, the 10-minute appointment has become an industry standard, but it is often insufficient for complex medical histories. One of the primary reasons I transitioned to private practice is the extended appointment duration.
At Olivine Clinic, our appointments are inherently longer. This allows for:
A relaxed pace: No more feeling rushed or "one-problem-only" constraints.
In-depth discussion: We can explore the "why" behind your symptoms, looking at lifestyle, genetics, and mental well-being.
Trust building: Clinical evidence shows that a strong doctor-patient rapport improves health outcomes.
2. Speed of Investigation: Same-Day Diagnostics
In secondary care, I saw the frustration of "waiting for the waitlist." In private practice, we remove the middleman.
If a patient requires a blood test, we don’t send you away to book a separate phlebotomy appointment weeks down the line. We perform the blood draw during the same appointment. This immediacy reduces patient anxiety and allows us to begin the diagnostic process the moment you walk through our doors in Poundbury.
3. Evidence-Based Care Without Economic Constraints
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides vital frameworks for UK medicine. However, many are unaware that NICE guidelines must factor in national health economics, balancing what is best for a population against a limited budget.
As a private GP in Dorchester, I am not confined by these same economic restrictions. While I remain deeply informed by NICE and peer-reviewed research (such as The Lancet and BMJ), I can tailor treatment specifically to the patient in front of me. If a specific treatment or diagnostic path is clinically superior but not "cost-effective" for a national budget, we have the freedom to pursue it here.
4. True Continuity of Care in private gp
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work at Olivine Clinic is the continuity of care. In larger practices, patients often see a different doctor every visit, requiring them to "start from scratch" each time.
By running my own surgery, I ensure:
You see the same doctor every time.
I know your medical history, your family context, and your preferences.
Rapid Follow-ups: I can often see patients for follow-up results within the same week, sometimes even the same day, ensuring management plans are enacted immediately.
5. Proactive vs. Reactive Medicine: The Power of Health Checks
The traditional medical model is often reactive, waiting for symptoms to become severe before intervening. I believe the future of medicine is proactive.
Our comprehensive Annual Health Checks are designed to catch "silent" issues (like hypertension or early-stage metabolic disorders) before they become chronic conditions. We know that early detection is the single most effective way to improve long-term prognosis.
6. A Game Changer: Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
I am particularly proud to bring Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) to our Poundbury clinic. While NHS GPs often lack the resources or time to develop this skill, I have invested significant time into mastering this technology.
Why POCUS is the future of General Practice:
Immediate Scanning: I can perform targeted scans for specific problems (such as abdominal pain or soft tissue lumps) during your initial consultation.
Reduced Referral Loops: Instead of waiting weeks for a hospital radiology appointment, we can often get answers in minutes.
Precision: It allows for a higher level of diagnostic certainty right at the bedside.
7. Availability That Matches Your Life
Healthcare should fit your schedule, not the other way around. To provide maximum value, Olivine Clinic offers:
6-Day Availability: Open Monday through Saturday.
Extended Hours: Late Monday clinics and dedicated Saturday morning sessions.
Direct Access: Being available five days a week means I am there when the results come in, ready to pivot your treatment plan instantly.
Experience the Difference in Poundbury
My move to private practice was driven by a desire to return to the heart of medicine: the patient. If you are looking for a GP who has the time to listen and the technology to act, I invite you to visit us in West Dorset.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. While we strive to follow the latest clinical guidelines (NICE, 2026), always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition. Point-of-Care Ultrasound is used for targeted diagnostic support and is not a replacement for comprehensive radiological imaging when clinically indicated.
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