Courtfield Private Practice

21/04/2026

09/04/2026

What’s the difference between an NHS and private mammogram?

We are lucky to have the NHS which provides a mammogram every 3 years to women aged 50-71. However at Courtfield we recommend that our patients start breast screening earlier, and have a mammogram more frequently than this, particularly if they have risk factors.

Our patients may also need a breast ultrasound in addition to a mammogram, and occasionally a breast MRI.

The other key differences with private breast screening are:

1. The mammograms are 3D (tomosynthesis) rather than standard 2D imaging. 3D mammograms are more accurate at detecting breast cancer.

2. Breast density is reported in a private mammogram - this is very important as women with dense breasts are recommended to have an ultrasound as well as a mammogram, as mammograms can occasionally miss lesions in women with dense breasts.

Secondly, having dense breasts is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer so annual mammograms (with breast ultrasounds) are recommended.

Sometimes women with very high risk factors need to have an MRI of their breasts as well as a mammogram.

While it is, of course, important to attend your NHS mammogram, breast screening is not one-size-fits-all—and for most women, there is more to consider than a three-yearly check.

Please don’t hesitate to come and see us if you would like to discuss this further.

26/03/2026

An enormous thank you to our wonderful admin team at Courtfield.

Following our recent newsletter on the Meningitis B outbreak in Kent, we have received an unprecedented number of calls and emails from our patients.

Our admin team have stayed late and stayed calm, and have put our patients first, during an exceptionally busy period.

We are incredibly grateful for their dedication and support.

17/03/2026

03/03/2026

At Courtfield, we understand that it is not always possible to see a GP during standard working hours.

To provide greater flexibility, we offer evening appointments on Tuesdays, with our final consultation at 7.30pm, and we are open on Saturday mornings from 9am to 1pm.

When the practice is closed, our patients continue to have access to care through our in-house Out-of-Hours service, providing telephone advice and home visits.

25/02/2026

The recent measles outbreak has affected both children and adults and has understandably been a worrying time for many of our patients.

Since January, 76% of confirmed cases have occurred in children aged 10 years and under, although 18% have been in young people and adults aged 15 years and over. Notably, 68% of cases have been reported in London.

A brief background on measles vaccination:
The single measles vaccine was introduced in the UK in 1968, followed by the combined MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine in 1988. If you were born before 1970, it is highly likely that you had measles during childhood and therefore developed natural immunity.

If you are unsure about your vaccination history or immunity status, a simple blood test can check for measles antibodies.

Protection against measles requires two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is routinely given at 12 months of age, although it can be administered earlier during outbreaks. If given early, a further two doses are still required at the usual scheduled times, meaning three doses in total.

If you would like to review your vaccination status, arrange antibody testing, or discuss any concerns, we would be very happy to help.

10/02/2026

At Courtfield, we work as a close-knit team of experienced GPs, drawing on our collective knowledge to deliver the highest standard of care for our patients.

We discuss cases, share insights, and seek each other’s advice on more complex problems — because sometimes two (or more) heads really are better than one.

By working collaboratively, we keep each other up to date with best practice and share trusted specialist networks, ensuring our patients are always guided to the right expert when needed.

We also seamlessly cover one another during holidays or illness, so your care is never interrupted.

As an independent, family-run GP practice, we believe this team-based approach offers the very best care — and the reassurance that you are always in safe and experienced hands

28/01/2026

We recommend all children have a 1 year review to assess their development and to perform a physical examination.

It’s also a great opportunity to discuss any concerns or queries you may have. This might include questions on feeding, sleeping, routines, behaviour etc.

We also want to know how you’re doing! Reaching the 1 year mark as a parent/caregiver is a big milestone and there’s a lot to discuss and catch up on.

Please see the paediatrics page on our website below for further details.

https://www.courtfieldpp.co.uk/paediatrics/

21/01/2026

Our membership scheme gives you the peace of mind to come as often as every month — with up to 12 in-person or virtual consultations a year, plus the additional benefits below.
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We offer a family membership to support you as your family grows. When a parent and first child are registered, additional children can join with a 50% reduction on their monthly fee.

Our membership includes:

~ Up to 12 in person or virtual consultations per year
~ 50% discount on telephone consultations
~ 50% discount on email consultations
~ 10% discount on all vaccinations
~ Repeat prescriptions
~All administrative costs e.g. referrals and insurance forms
~All baby and child developmental health checks including teenage/pre-university health checks
~Annual medication review for adults

From £110/month. Please consult our website for further details.