Fair Use Policy

Policy Lead	Dr Nadia Ahmad
Registered Manager	Dr Nadia Ahmad
Nominated Individual	Dr Nadia Ahmad
Version Number	1.0
Date of issue	March 2026

 

1. Purpose of This Policy

This Fair Use Policy sets out how patients can safely and appropriately use our services.

The aim is to ensure that:

• care is delivered in a safe, effective and equitable way
• all patients receive access to clinicians within reasonable timeframes
• clinical staff can operate within CQC regulatory standards and UK prescribing guidance
• treatment remains safe, evidence based and aligned with individual clinical need

This policy forms part of our clinical governance framework and supports compliance with CQC regulations relating to safe care, personcentred treatment, staffing, governance, and protection from harm.

2. Scope of Your Subscription

Your subscription provides access to medical weightmanagement support as outlined in your chosen plan. This may include:

• Medical eligibility assessment
• Clinician led prescribing (where clinically appropriate)
• Scheduled clinical reviews (e.g., 6weekly or as defined by your plan)
• Monitoring of progress, sideeffects and safety
• Lifestyle and nutritional guidance
• Secure messaging for appropriate clinical queries

The Weight Care Clinic also offers private GP consultations for general health concerns, acute issues, medication reviews, and wellbeing related assessments.

These GP consultations are designed to provide safe, timely, doctor led advice and treatment planning. They do not replace the care of your registered NHS GP, who remains responsible for your ongoing primary care, longterm condition management, and routine NHS services.

Prescribing and advice given through our private GP service remain subject to:

• clinical assessment
• access to uptodate medical information
• safety and regulatory requirements
• appropriateness for a private GP setting

3. Reasonable Use of Clinical Support

To ensure equitable and safe access, we operate a reasonable use model for all communication and clinical interactions.

Included within fair use:

• Queries relating directly to your prescribed treatment
• Reporting symptoms or sideeffects
• Discussions about dose adjustments where appropriate
• Safety queries or concerns
• Support relating to your weight management plan

Not included:

• Unlimited or unscheduled clinician appointments
• Daily or excessive messaging unrelated to clinical need
• Requests for general medical advice outside weight management
• Emergency medical support
• Requests for early replacement of medication due to loss, misuse or incorrect storage

Where additional appointments are required outside your plan, a fee may apply.

4. Prescribing & Medication Supply

Medication is prescribed only when it is clinically safe, appropriate, and in line with national guidance.

We may prescribe only where:

• you meet the clinical eligibility criteria
• the expected benefits outweigh potential risks
• monitoring requirements are met
• no safeguarding or misuse concerns are identified

The clinic reserves the right to:

• adjust or change your prescribed dose
• pause or discontinue treatment
• request further medical information
• decline a prescription where safety concerns exist
• discharge a patient if risks outweigh benefits

All medication is for personal use only and must be taken exactly as prescribed.

5. Medication Misuse & Safety

We have a duty to protect patients from harm. The following constitute misuse of medication:

• sharing medication
• altering doses without approval
• failing to disclose relevant health information
• repeated loss of medication
• attempting to obtain similar medication from multiple providers
• using medication contrary to instructions

Where misuse is identified or suspected:

• prescribing may be paused immediately
• a clinical investigation will be carried out
• the patient may be discharged from the service
• refunds may not be provided
• safeguarding or statutory bodies may be contacted where legally required (e.g., if risk to self or others is identified)

6. Appointment Attendance Requirements

Engaging with scheduled reviews is essential for safe prescribing.

• Missed or late cancelled appointments may delay prescribing
• Medication cannot be issued without appropriate clinical review
• Repeated non-attendance may result in suspension or discharge from the service

7. Contract Duration & Cancellations

For fixed term subscriptions (e.g., 6 or 12 month plans):

• the full contract value applies
• early cancellation does not automatically entitle a refund
• refunds may be considered only when treatment is deemed clinically inappropriate by our doctor
• if you are found medically ineligible following assessment, a refund may be issued at the clinic’s discretion

8. Behaviour, Conduct and Zero – Tolerance Policy

We are committed to providing a safe environment for staff and patients. The following behaviours will not be tolerated:

• abusive, aggressive or discriminatory behaviour
• inappropriate, threatening or coercive communication
• attempts to pressure clinicians into prescribing
• harassment of staff via messaging or calls

Such behaviour may result in immediate discharge without refund and may be escalated through safeguarding or law enforcement channels where appropriate.

9. Private GP Services

A consultation may include:

• A full medical history and assessment of presenting symptoms
• A personalised treatment or management plan
• Private prescriptions, where clinically appropriate and safe
• Guidance regarding investigations or specialist referrals
• Followup recommendations, safetynetting, and clinical advice

Fair Use of Private GP Services

Our private GP consultations are intended to provide supplementary medical support and must be used in a reasonable and clinically appropriate manner. To ensure safe, equitable access and compliance with UK clinical standards:

Included within fair use:

• Queries directly related to the consultation or treatment plan
• Requests for clarification of medical advice provided during your appointment
• Reporting of new or changing symptoms relevant to your consultation
• Followup queries within the scope of the presenting issue

Not included within fair use:

• Use of consultations as a substitute for full scope NHS primary care
• Requests for ongoing management of longterm conditions
• Emergency, urgent, or complex issues requiring physical examination
• Repeated or excessive requests for general medical advice outside the consultation scope
• Attempts to obtain medication or treatment not clinically indicated

Our clinicians may pause or decline treatment, request further information, or redirect patients to NHS services where this is in the interest of safety or appropriate care.

Important Service Limitations

• Our private GP service does not replace the care of your registered NHS GP, who remains responsible for your ongoing primary care, longterm condition management, routine tests, and investigations.
• Any urgent, emergency, worsening, or complex medical issue requiring inperson assessment must be directed to NHS 111, your NHS GP, urgent care, or A&E, as appropriate.

10. Service Limitations

The Weight Care Clinic provides:

• Clinician led medical weight management
• Safe prescribing within regulatory standards
• Follow up monitoring and support
• Private GP services

We do not provide:

• Emergency medical services
• NHS GP care
• Mental health crisis support
• Acute or urgent care

In emergencies, contact 999 or attend A&E immediately.
For urgent but nonemergency care, contact NHS 111.

11. Safeguarding and Duty of Candour

We have statutory safeguarding responsibilities.
If we become aware of concerns relating to your welfare, or the safety of others, we may share relevant information with authorised agencies in line with legal and ethical requirements.
We will always act openly, honestly and transparently in accordance with the Duty of Candour.

12. Policy Updates

This Fair Use Policy may be updated in line with regulatory, clinical or operational requirements.

Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of this policy.