Healthcare has changed enormously since Dr David Eccleston qualified as a doctor in 1987.
Paper records have become digital. Patients can research symptoms in seconds. Treatments that once seemed impossible are now routine.
Yet when we sat down with David, one thing became clear almost immediately. Despite everything that’s changed, the fundamentals of good patient care haven’t.
David trained at the University of Birmingham Medical School before gaining experience in dermatology, ENT, ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynaecology. He then spent more than 25 years building a successful NHS practice as a Senior Partner before co-founding The Oakley Medical Practice in 2014. Today, he also serves as Clinical Director of MediZen, lectures internationally and has contributed to clinical research, television and radio.
I wanted to know what three and a half decades in medicine have taught him. Our conversation covered everything from the pressures facing modern general practice to the misconceptions surrounding private healthcare.
“Patients know when they’re being rushed”
We begun by asking David what the biggest lesson has been over the course of his career.
He didn’t talk about advances in medicine or groundbreaking treatments.
Instead, he spoke about something much simpler.
“Patients expect, quite rightly, to be treated respectfully and to be given time to explain their concerns and symptoms. Such time is an investment for me, as I can understand more about their health issues, and provide the best treatment options.”
It’s easy to overlook how important that is.
People often spend days, sometimes weeks, deciding whether they should book an appointment. By the time they sit down with a GP, they’ve usually got questions, worries and symptoms they’ve been trying to make sense of.
If the consultation feels hurried, some of those concerns never get mentioned.
David believes listening properly isn’t separate from good medicine. It’s part of it.
Why did you leave the NHS?
David spent 23 years working as an NHS GP before deciding to establish his own private practice.
I was interested to hear what prompted such a significant change.
His answer reflected an experience many patients will recognise.
“After 23 years as an NHS GP, seeing patients every 10 minutes, and never having the time to do my job properly, I left the NHS, determined to provide a more bespoke and tailored service to the needs of my patients.”
It wasn’t about walking away from general practice.
It was about creating an environment where consultations weren’t dictated by the clock.
That philosophy still shapes The Oakley Medical Practice today.
What do patients really value about seeing a private GP?
It’s easy to assume patients choose private healthcare because they can get an appointment more quickly.
David agrees convenience plays a part, but he doesn’t think it’s the deciding factor.
“The convenience of being able to see a GP that knows them, at a time to suit them, and not having barriers put in the way when it comes to booking an appointment. Also, easy access to referral to a specialist if required.”
Knowing the doctor you’re seeing matters.
It means you don’t have to start from the beginning every time you have a question. It also allows your GP to build a picture of your health over months and years rather than relying on a single appointment.
Is private healthcare only for the wealthy?
This is one of the assumptions David hears most often.
His response was immediate.
“That it is expensive and only for the wealthy. The cost of a private appointment starts from £85, and allows you the time to have your health issues properly assessed and understood.”
Private healthcare isn’t about replacing the NHS.
For many people, it’s about having the opportunity to discuss a concern properly, ask questions and leave knowing exactly what the next steps are.
What health mistakes do you see time and time again?
After meeting thousands of patients throughout his career, I wondered whether the same issues still came up.
“No surprises here! Eating the wrong foods, drinking too much alcohol, not finding time to keep fit, and ignoring new symptoms which could herald the onset of serious medical issues. Men are the worst culprits here!”
The answer wasn’t particularly surprising.
What stood out was his final point.
Many people convince themselves a symptom isn’t worth mentioning. They hope it settles down or simply put it to the back of their mind because life gets busy.
Sometimes that’s true.
Sometimes it isn’t.
David’s advice is simple. If something has changed and you’re worried about it, get it checked.
Was there a moment that inspired you to become a doctor?
Rather than talking about qualifications or career ambitions, David spoke about his grandfather.
“My grandfather, who was a dentist, doctor and had a brilliant mind, descended into Alzheimer’s and became a shadow of his former self. I wanted to understand how this could happen, and how I could help patients like him in the future.”
It’s a reminder that many careers in medicine begin with a personal story.
Even after 35 years, that motivation hasn’t disappeared.
How has medicine changed since you first qualified?
Healthcare has evolved dramatically over the last few decades, so I was curious to know what changes David believes have had the greatest impact.
“Computerised medical records allow sharing of data much more effectively and quickly, and patients have become more involved and interested in their own health. Social media has been a major trigger for this, though the self-diagnosing trends we now see are not always helpful.”
Patients are asking more questions than ever before.
That’s a positive thing.
The challenge comes when online information is taken out of context. Searching for symptoms can be useful, but it can never replace a consultation where somebody understands your medical history and knows what questions to ask next.
What makes The Oakley Medical Practice different?
We asked David what he believes sets The Oakley Medical Practice apart.
His answer wasn’t centred on equipment or facilities.
It came back to people.
“We are an approachable, friendly team, providing a wide variety of services, from private vaccinations to combined bio-identical HRT, weight management services, alcohol addiction services, and access to medical cannabis prescribing.”
Throughout his answers, one theme kept resurfacing.
Healthcare shouldn’t feel transactional.
Whether someone books an appointment because they’re struggling with menopause symptoms, they’re worried about persistent pain or they simply haven’t felt themselves for a while, they deserve the opportunity to explain what’s happening without feeling rushed.
If you could give patients one piece of advice, what would it be?
David’s answer was characteristically practical.
“Eat healthily, drink less alcohol, find some downtime, and wear sunscreen!”
There’s nothing revolutionary about that advice.
Perhaps that’s the point.
Medicine continues to advance, but good health is still built on everyday decisions. Looking after yourself isn’t about chasing the latest trend. It’s about making small choices consistently and seeking advice when something doesn’t feel right.
After hearing David’s answers, it struck me that his view of patient care hasn’t really changed over the past 35 years.
People still want the same thing they’ve always wanted.
A doctor who listens.
A doctor who cares.
And enough time to make a difference.
Book an appointment with The Oakley Medical Practice
If you’re looking for a private GP in Birmingham who takes the time to understand your concerns, The Oakley Medical Practice offers appointments designed around your individual needs.
Whether you have a new health concern or you’re looking for ongoing support, our experienced team is here to help.
