A structured way to decide whether to enter a shared care agreement — from an NHS or private specialist — using the six questions in our guidance. If the answer to any question is no, it is appropriate to decline.
Shared care agreements are
not part of core GMS services. Participation is voluntary, and any practice can decline — or later cease — an agreement, with responsibility for the care returning to the specialist service. What matters is a
clear and consistent decision-making process: this tool helps you apply one and document it. See our
shared care and
private providers guidance.