I do find it very strange if you want to visit a doctor privately, awhile ago I had an issue with a problem relating to my face, I wanted to visit a doctor privately, I researched my problem, decided on the doctor I wanted to see. I called the relevant doctor, of course you don’t speak to the doctor you speak to the receptionist, I explained that I wanted to make an appointment, i was told, in no uncertain terms, that i had to have a referral from my GP - how ridiculous is that I was quite happy to pay for a private consultation, also pay for any resulting treatment.

As it happened when I called my GP surgery and explained my problem, as it might have been cancer related I was given an appointment to see my GP within the week, happy to report all OK now.