A PRIVATE DECISION
With news that NHS waiting lists are growing longer, it is definitely worth considering private treatment with some of the most respected consultants and clinicians in the region
If you need medical or dental treatment and don’t want to join a lengthy waiting list, it may be worth considering going down the private healthcare route.
You don’t need to have a referral to get private treatment from a consultant or specialist. However, it is widely believed that it is best practice to be referred by your GP or general practice dentist, as they are aware of your medical and dental history and will be able to inform you whether a referral is indeed the best course to take.
Some private practitioners and private medical insurance policies will require a referral.
If your GP or dentist thinks you need to see a specialist and you want to pay for it privately, they can write a letter of referral to a recommended private consultant or specialist explaining your symptoms.
The private healthcare sector is made up of hospitals and clinics which are run independently of the National Health Service (NHS). Normally private hospitals and clinics are run by a company, although some are run by charities or other non-profit organisations.
People choose to go private largely for the excellent facilities and fast access to treatment, seeing the best specialists available. Consultations and appointments are also often at times to suit each individual patient.
While there are many advantages of going down the private health route, the standard of treatment is bound by the same strict regulations faced by all medical professionals. However, shorter waiting times and the facilities that private hospitals and clinics can offer, often make the option of paying for treatment attractive.
You will have access to specialist medications and treatments, the best consultants and clinicians available and if you have private health insurance, either through your place of work or independently, it makes ‘going private’ an obvious choice.
Private hospitals and clinics are designed to offer specialist, personalised care, the patient to practitioner ratio is advantageous and private clinics generally give patients access to the very best equipment and the latest technology.
If you have a medical problem that you would like dealing with swiftly and you want access to the best people and equipment, it is definitely worth considering paying for treatment rather than face lengthy waiting times.
There are many private options available throughout the region, private hospitals and clinics will welcome your enquiry and will invite you to a consultation to discuss how they can help.
