Thinking about choosing private healthcare? Here’s what you need to know about how it affects your NHS care:
Even if you decide to go for private treatment, you’re still entitled to NHS care for free. This right cannot be taken away from you.
In 2009, guidance notes were published to clarify NHS patients’ rights when they also opt for private care. Here’s a breakdown of the main points:
You cannot be charged for NHS care unless it’s for specific legislated charges like prescriptions.
The NHS cannot fund any part of your private healthcare.
Private and NHS treatments are completely separate. They need to happen at different times and places. In very rare cases, an NHS consultant might allow NHS treatment in the same location if you’re critically ill and moving you would be risky.
Some NHS organizations also offer private care for specialized needs, but this will always be in a different area of the hospital or at a private clinic outside NHS working hours or in a private room.
Your overall care can be managed by the same healthcare team for both NHS and private treatments, but the treatments themselves have to be separate. Generally, you won’t need to repeat tests for both NHS and private care. Diagnoses and condition monitoring will be part of your NHS care.
Your GP can inform you about all possible treatments for your condition, including those only available privately. However, NHS consultants cannot advertise private services to NHS patients.
If you’ve had a private consultation or diagnosis, your position on the NHS waiting list remains unchanged.
For more information about private healthcare and hospitals, ask your consultant about the specifics and requirements today.