The Medical Space is a new venture by Dr Tal Helbitz, an experienced GP who has a vision of how medical care should be.
“Patients deserve to have prompt medical care, where they can be seen the same day, with a longer appointment time to allow the physician to explore all the issues in depth,” says Dr Helbitz.
“The Medical Space is here to put this vision into practice. We’re delighted to be offering private medical services that put the patient’s needs first.”
After 18 years as an NHS GP, Dr Helbitz understands the special role it has in our society. He says: “The NHS sits at the centre of medical care in the UK and is a beloved institution. But it is under strain at the moment. At The Medical Space, we want to offer patients options. Sometimes patients are just seeking a fast private consultation before returning to NHS care, making it ideal even for those without health insurance. It could be a parent worried about their child’s possible ear infection, or an adult with troubling stomach pain who needs to see a doctor on the same day. Patients can dip in and out.”
Patients come to The Medical Space not only for immediate attention and specialist referrals, but also for a host of diagnostic tests. As well as taking samples for analysis and offering advanced imaging, the clinics provide other essential services such as prescriptions, fit notes and documents for travel.
Dr Helbitz runs a private clinic at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital in St John’s Wood and has now opened a new clinic in Finchley Central. He also offers home visits for those who are too poorly to come into the clinic in person. He adds: “I am a great believer in the value of seeing the patient face to face. Doctors now have a choice of ways to consult with patients, with options for appointments on the phone or by video. These are convenient, but I prefer to reserve remote consultations for follow-up appointments, when I have already examined the patient or discussed their concerns in person.”
Dr Helbitz has often noticed patients are hesitant about taking steps to monitor their health. “People sometimes worry about troubling a doctor unless they are feeling very unwell,” he says. “However, early testing can pick up conditions before they manifest themselves as symptoms. I am passionate about taking a proactive approach to patient care, something that I have advocated over many years. Having a ‘medical MOT’ can play a vital role in preventative medicine, giving doctors the opportunity to intervene before conditions develop.”
But not every test is necessary, he says: “It’s not desirable to have every test under the sun as part of a health check-up. Sometimes these throw up incidental findings that cause anxiety and unnecessary referrals. Instead, the tests that I suggest would be based on a patient’s personal medical history, to complement the physical examination. For example, a family history of cancer would suggest certain targeted tests, which may not be required for others. At The Medical Space we can offer a very quick turnaround on blood tests, so we can put your mind at ease.”
Dr Helbitz is excited about this new private GP service, saying: “Same-day appointments are just the starting point. Having an in-depth consultation and being part of a patient’s ongoing care are all part of best practice. My patients are like an extended family, where you can see them over many years and get to know the holistic picture. I really enjoy getting to know the people in the community, often seeing three or four generations in the same family.
“It is very rewarding as a medical professional to be able to give patients the time they deserve and ensure they have the top treatment available.”
You can find out more about seeing a private GP at The Medical Space at themedicalspace.co.uk, or call or WhatsApp 020 3369 3769, or email info@themedicalspace.co.uk. Clinics are at 307 Regents Park Road, Finchley, N3 1DP, and at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, 60 Grove End Road, St John’s Wood, NW8 9NH
