Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions apply to the mental health services provided by Ark Clinics. Ark Clinics operates under the registered company Medical British Academy. By using our services, you agree to the terms outlined in this document. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Any changes will take effect when published on our website.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@medicalbritishacademy.co.uk.

Outpatient consultations are conducted at Ark Clinics, Werneth Grange, Grange Avenue, Oldham, or remotely via video consultations on Microsoft Teams. Medical British Academy does not provide inpatient care, emergency services, or crisis intervention.
Payments: The fees for initial consultations and follow-up appointments must be paid no later than the week before the scheduled appointment. Payments can be made via debit or credit card over the phone with the Ark Clinics administration team or online. Initial consultation fees are required at the time of booking. The fees include a clinic assessment letter to your GP, a private prescription (if necessary), and any additional requests or referrals for investigations such as blood tests or scans. While NHS GPs and other NHS services typically accommodate these requests, their acceptance is at their discretion. If an NHS provider declines, you may need to arrange and fund the investigations privately.
Cancellation Policy: Appointments cancelled more than 7 days in advance will not incur any charges. Cancellations made between 7 and 3 days before the scheduled appointment will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee. Cancellations made less than 3 days before the appointment will be charged the full fee. If the patient does not attend their appointment, it will be classified as a “Did Not Attend” (DNA). In such cases, the assessment cannot proceed, but the full fee will still be charged.
Patients are permitted to reschedule their appointment once without charge, provided that the request is made between 7 and 3 days prior to the scheduled appointment time. Any request to reschedule within less than 3 days’ notice will be subject to the standard cancellation policy. If a patient wishes to reschedule more than once, regardless of the notice period, the cancellation policy will also apply, and the patient will be required to book a new appointment at the applicable rate.

Any request to reschedule within less than 3 days’ notice will be subject to the standard cancellation policy.

If a patient wishes to reschedule more than once, regardless of the notice period, the cancellation policy will also apply, and the patient will be required to book a new appointment at the applicable rate.

Chaperones: Patients are welcome to have a relative, friend, or carer accompany them during their consultation. While having a chaperone is not mandatory, arranging one is the patient’s or carer’s responsibility. If a patient requires a chaperone but is unable to bring a companion, they must inform the Medical Secretary in advance to discuss possible arrangements. Please note that an administrator will always be present at reception during the assessment.
Patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or a nominated carer during their consultation.
With your consent, the initial and follow-up clinic assessment letters will be sent to your GP or referring healthcare provider. You will also receive a copy of the letter, which will be sent to you either by email or post. Please be aware that the letter may contain information that could be uncomfortable to read.
Medical British Academy adheres to NICE guidelines and may recommend additional investigations, psychotherapy, or other appropriate interventions if a patient’s symptoms persist over time.
In accordance with General Medical Council (GMC) guidelines, it is a doctor’s duty to inquire about and report any safeguarding concerns. In certain circumstances, the Medical British Academy may be obliged to contact relevant third parties, such as the local Safeguarding Board or Social Services. While this is a rare occurrence, we will always discuss it with you beforehand.
Although this assessment is conducted privately, the standard of care and quality of the assessment provided by the Medical British Academy will be consistent with the professional standards expected of NHS employees.
Chronic and Enduring Psychiatric Conditions: In some cases, it may be more suitable for patients with chronic or enduring psychiatric conditions to receive treatment and support from their NHS Community Mental Health Team or another qualified mental health professional (e.g., psychotherapist or counsellor).
If you have any concerns or complaints regarding your consultation, we encourage you to first discuss them with the Medical British Academy Practice Manager. You may also contact your GP for advice or directly reach out to the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The Practice Manager at Medical British Academy can be contacted by phone from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, at 0161 566 1777, or by email at any time at info@medicalbritishacademy.co.uk.
In the event of a psychiatric emergency, such as feeling suicidal, considering harm to yourself or others, or being at risk from others, you should immediately contact your GP, the GP Out of Hours Service, or dial 111. Alternatively, you may go directly to any A&E Department or contact the NHS Mental Health Crisis Team in your area. For residents of Greater Manchester, the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust’s 24/7 crisis helpline is available every day of the year on 0800 953 0285.