Why I Founded Life Private GP

People often ask me one question.

"If you're already an NHS GP, why did you start your own private practice?"

The answer is actually very simple.

Because I wanted to practise medicine the way I always believed it should be.

I've been a doctor in the UK for over a decade. Throughout my career, I've worked across a wide range of specialties before becoming a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners. Today, I continue to work as an NHS GP while also running Life Private GP.

Working in the NHS has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.

Every day, I see dedicated doctors, nurses, pharmacists and healthcare professionals doing everything they can to care for patients under enormous pressure.

I still believe the NHS is one of the UK's greatest achievements.

But I also see the challenges it faces.

An ageing population, increasing demand, workforce shortages and limited resources mean that primary care has become busier than ever before.

Many GPs are expected to see dozens of patients every day.

Consultations are often limited to just a few minutes.

As doctors, we don't stop listening because we don't care.

Sometimes, we simply run out of time.

One sentence I hear all too often is:

"Doctor... I just have one more question."

And as a GP, it's one of the hardest things to hear when you know another patient is already waiting.

Because good medicine isn't just about making a diagnosis.

It's about understanding the person behind the symptoms.

Their family.

Their work.

Their worries.

Their goals.

And sometimes, the things they don't know how to say.

That's why I founded Life Private GP.

Not to replace the NHS.

But to complement it.

I wanted to create a practice where patients have the time to ask questions, understand their health, and make informed decisions together with their doctor.

At Life Private GP, I provide online video consultations across the UK, face-to-face appointments in Nottingham, and home visits for patients who need care in the comfort of their own homes. Depending on clinical needs, I can also arrange blood tests, diagnostic imaging, specialist referrals, private prescriptions and medical reports.

As a bilingual GP, I consult in both English and Mandarin Chinese, and I also understand Cantonese. For many patients, especially those living far from home, being able to discuss their health in their preferred language can make an enormous difference.

Healthcare should never be rushed.

It should be personal.

It should be thoughtful.

And above all, it should be centred around the patient.

I don't believe private healthcare is a replacement for the NHS.

I believe both systems have an important role.

Many people receive excellent care through the NHS.

Others may value longer appointments, greater flexibility, continuity with the same doctor, or quicker access to investigations when appropriate.

Healthcare isn't one-size-fits-all.

Every patient deserves the choice that best suits their needs.

My name is Dr Aida Lau.

I'm an NHS GP and the founder of Life Private GP.

Thank you for taking the time to listen.

If you're looking for personalised, compassionate healthcare with time to talk, I'd be honoured to look after you.

Because medicine isn't just about treating illness.

It's about caring for people.