Go Private Guide 2018 by LaingBuisson

THE INDEPENDENT GUIDE TO PRIVATE HEALTHCARE | WINTER 2018

Fixed price surgery All-inclusive packages - compare the schemes

The GoPrivate Price Guide Where to go to get the best deal for private treatment

The choice is yours How to choose a private consultant and hospital

Need to see a doctor urgently? Consult an online GP, get a second opinion

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need health insurance to go private - more and more patients are paying out of their own pocket. Find out how...

Take life off pause! Hospital care that won’t break the bank. If you want to pay for your own treatment, and don’t have private medical insurance, there could be another way that costs less than you think. Our unrivalled prices on high quality, consultant-delivered surgery, could make our self pay packages the ideal solution for you or your loved ones. With prices up to 30% less than other private hospitals, but no compromise on quality, it's no wonder so many patients are turning to Care UK for their surgery.

Transparent prices

0% finance option

Zero cases of hospitalacquired MRSA

High quality care

Common procedures Total knee replacement

£8,995

Total hip replacement

£8,595

Knee arthroscopy

£2,695

Hernia repair

£2,195

Cataracts (per eye)

£1,995

Bunion surgery

£3,295

Carpal tunnel

£1,595

No medical insurance required

Care UK hospitals: Barlborough | Bristol | Devizes | Gillingham |

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Getting back into the swing of things... For almost 18 months, Peter Brewin, 73, had been suffering from pain caused by a hernia. The condition forced him to stop cycling and playing golf. On a shopping trip, the hernia became so pronounced and painful that he could no longer walk and he had to be helped back to his car. His GP’s request for NHS funding was rejected twice and it seemed as if he would face a future with limited activities and increasing pain. “In the end, my GP suggested having surgery at a private hospital. However, my wife had knee surgery as an NHS patient at Care UK and we had been delighted with the treatment she received. When we found out that the centre was offering self pay surgery it was the natural choice for me. The consultant was excellent and inspired real confidence, which is important when you are allowing someone to operate on you. I am now back to health and looking forward to joining my friends back on the golf course and I would recommend the centre to anyone!”

Does your experience sound similar to Peter’s? If so, get your life back on track and enquire about self pay treatment options today.

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The GoPrivate Guide is published by LaingBuisson, 3 Churchgates, Berkhamsted, HP4 2UB web: www.laingbuisson.com tel: 01442 817817 Twitter: @privhealthcare Facebook: privhealth ISSN 2631-4304

CONTENTS

Why go private?

How to choose

Better deals

Harley Street

Page 6– Going private Why opting for private medical treatment could be right for you

Page 10 – What is fixed price? How to get private hospital treatment as a self-paying patient

Page 20 – Financing your operation Hospitals and clinics offering support to smooth access to their services

Page 25 – The Harley Street option Getting the most from this centre of private medical excellence

Page 8 – Counting the cost How much will going private for your healthcare set you back?

Page 14 – Going private on the NHS A look at what is on offer at NHS Private Patient Units

Page 13– The GoPrivate Price Guide The cost of going private may not be as high as you think

Page 16 – Weighing up the options There are a number of weight loss treatments available - find the right on Page 19 – The choice is yours What to look for when choosing a hospital and a consultant

Page 21 – Prevention is better than cure The benefits of private health screenings

Page 26 – Featured clinics and consultants A round up of some of the leading experts

Page 22 – Find an online GP A private GP... available 24 hours a day... accessible via your PC,. mobile or tablet Page 23 – Second opinions How to make sure you are being recommended the right approach

Welcome As pressure increases on the NHS, more patients are considering the option of “going private” to access prompt, high quality treatment within the UK’s private healthcare sector and within the private patient units operated within the NHS. This guide presents some of the options for affordable private healthcare. We provide pricing tables within this guide that demonstrate the cost savings that can be made by shopping around for private healthcare. Prices for “fixed price surgery” are now readily available through private hospital websites and our portal www.goprivate.com. There is a drive for greater transparency in private healthcare, enabling patients to make a more informed choice of both consultant and private hospital. During 2018/19 more information will

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become available through the publication of data on treatment outcomes in private hospitals. The GoPrivate Guide brings together many of the options for patients seeking an alternative to NHS care. Private treatment may not be as expensive as you think… and may provide an immediate solution to your healthcare problem.

Keith Pollard Managing Editor

Helping you take care of yourself Get healthy inside and out with Bupa Cromwell Hospital London’s Bupa Cromwell Hospital offers an exceptional healthcare resource in the heart of Kensington. Whether using private health insurance or self funding, our worldrenowned services are available to everyone. GP services – quick and easy access to private GPs Rapid diagnostic pathways available for heart and liver health, and breast and prostate cancers Knee and hip replacement surgery – let the best consultants get you back doing the things you love Physiotherapy – from sports injuries to rehabilitation after surgery Leading edge diagnostic technology to assess heart, lung, neurology and sleep conditions

Call us on 020 7460 5700 or email info@cromwellhospital.com to discuss your healthcare needs bupacromwellhospital.com/go-private

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Going private The benefits of opting for private healthcare are numerous, and available to everyone, whether or not you have medical insurance in place

here are many reasons why opting for private medical treatment could be right for you, whether you want to avoid lengthy NHS waiting lists, are not satisfied with treatment available on the NHS or simply want a second opinion. Despite significant government investment, NHS resources continue to be stretched, which can result in delays before NHS treatment is available. Going private gives fast access to the treatment you need, plus additional benefits including being able to choose when and where you will be treated and a choice of consultant or private specialist. Sometimes private healthcare also gives you the option to have treatments that may not be available on the NHS. Private treatment can usually be carried out quickly. Consultations and appointments take place at times that suit you and recovery from a major operation takes place in a comfortable, private en-suite room where friends and family can visit with few restrictions.

Available to all

Many people have private healthcare because their employer offers private health insurance as a workplace perk, but you don’t need to have medical insurance to get private treatment. You can simply pay directly for your private treatment; this is known as ‘self-paying’ and most private hospitals offer fixed price surgery schemes so that you know what the cost will be. There are also loans available to fund private surgery, available through the private hospital groups and third party finance companies.

Specialist referral

If you decide to opt for private medical treatment, your first step is to see your NHS GP. They will write a referral letter for your appointment with a private doctor or specialist. Your GP will recommend an appropriate specialist, or you can tell them which specialist you would like to see.

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Some private consultants and specialists are reluctant to see a patient unless there is a referral letter from the your GP. You should check with your preferred consultant’s private secretary to see if this is the case. Many private hospitals will arrange an appointment with one of their consultants, but communication with your GP will take place during your diagnosis and treatment. GP referral letters are not normally required for physiotherapy, health screening, cosmetic surgery and dental treatment. Once you have arranged an appointment with a private specialist, make sure you ask for any relevant NHS test results, details and information from your GP in advance and take them with you. That way you won’t have to repeat expensive scans or x-rays. When attending the consultation at the hospital or clinic, self-paying patients should go prepared to pay the consultation fee on the day.

Choosing private healthcare without insurance – the process Select your preferred consultant and private hospital Get a private patient referral letter from your NHS GP Attend an out-patient appointment with the consultant. This will typically cost between £150-£250. In some cases, this may be included in the cost of your fixed price surgery package The consultant will write to your GP to update him or her If you need an operation, ask the private hospital for a fixed price, including surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees and the hospital’s costs for the operation If you are happy with the price, the admission date is booked, with all or part of the cost paid before admission After treatment, the hospital / consultant sends an update to your GP and you will attend a follow up appointment with the consultant

Specialists in you

Welcome to a hospital with no waiting lists. See a Consultant in as little as 48 hours and have treatment within 2 weeks. Visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals Or call 0333 363 5933

Time frames indicated may vary depending on choice of consultant, type of diagnostic investigation, and procedure package. Landline calls will be charged at local rates, calls from mobile may vary depending on network provider. Lines open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm. Nuffield Health is a Registered Charity. Nuffield Health registered in England & Wales (Company Number 00576970).

Assessment | Treatment | Recovery WINTER 2018

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Counting the cost

It’s impossible to put a value on your health and wellbeing, but it is important to be aware of the cost implications of going private in order to make an informed decision

eeing a consultant is perhaps the most important stage of your private medical treatment, as he or she is the person who will diagnose your condition and decide on the most effective course of treatment. Consultants are the top level of specialist doctors and it takes around nine years to make the grade, after graduating from a five-year medical course. Naturally, at this point in their careers, these doctors are well trained and highly experienced and their salary and private fees reflect this.

Typical charges for a private consultant A typical consultant appointment will cost between £150 and £250, depending on where you live and the nature of the consultation. For example: •

•

A consultation for hip replacement in Cardiff costs £150 at the Nuffield Hospital whereas a consultation in Harley Street may cost £250 A consultation for cataract surgery in Leeds costs £200 at the Spire Hospital whereas a consultation In London with Optegra may cost £250

You can expect to pay considerably more – maybe as much as £400 – for a consultant who is a leader in their field and who works at an NHS teaching hospital and one of the prestigious private hospitals in Central London.

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Follow up visits are usually cheaper than the initial consultation, but you will still be charged for the appointment, if it is not included in your fixed price surgery package. Follow up appointments are usually around £100 - £150.

About your private consultation It is important to remember that the cost of your initial private consultation may not be included in the cost of any fixed price surgery or treatment scheme. Not everyone who has a consultation will require surgery so it may be charged separately. It is also worth bearing in mind that a private consultation may not last any longer than a similar consultation on the NHS. Consultants are busy people with a tight schedule and they are unlikely to spend longer with you than is necessary, even if you are paying for their time, so don’t always expect the red carpet treatment.

Operation fees If the decision is made that you need an operation, then there will obviously be more costs involved. The price of your private operation depends on the complexity of the procedure, how long the operation takes and the level of skill involved. For example, a simple mole removal can cost as little as £395, whereas a complex knee replacement can cost over £14,000.

Factors that affect the price

Your personal medical history – factors such as high blood pressure, excess weight and a family history of complications - will increase the complexity and therefore the cost of your operation. •

Where you live – prices are generally higher in the South than the North and are even higher in London

•

The quality of the clinic – prices are higher at prestigious Harley Street clinics and hospitals than in provincial centres, as they tend to attract the very best surgeons

•

The choices you make – different drugs, different implants and different surgeons all come at different prices

•

What is included – some ‘bargain’ prices may not be such good value when you examine them in detail and price up the extras

Why so much? There is no denying it - private medical treatment and surgery is not cheap. In fact, it can cost less to buy a new car than to have your knee replaced. However, it’s worth thinking about the reasons behind these costs before making any decisions. There are so many specialists involved over the course of an operation and every one of them needs to be paid for. If you have been brought up with the NHS, taking the cost of

healthcare for granted, you may never have considered what it costs.

Your specialist team Think about your operation from start to finish and you’ll soon see just how many experts are involved, even in a simple, routine procedure. These include: •

Nurses to prepare you before your surgery

•

An anaesthetist to put you under and monitor your wellbeing

•

The surgeon who is performing your operation

•

Assistant surgeons and theatre staff who are required for the procedure

•

Recovery ward staff to monitor you post operatively

•

Hospital porters to move you around from ward to theatre and back

And that is just for the operation itself. You will also need a separate team to care for you on the ward following your procedure, as well as cooks, cleaners and many other ancillary staff. When you consider how many people are involved, many of them highly trained specialists in their field, it is surprising that private hospitals can offer operations for as little as they do.

Quality guaranteed

As a private patient, you are guaranteed to be seen promptly by a consultant, at a time that suits you. You are also guaranteed to see the consultant of your choice, and you are guaranteed to see the consultant in person rather than a trainee or junior member of their team. You are usually guaranteed certain standards of accommodation, such as an en-suite private room, a choice of high quality meals and open visiting. You should also be guaranteed certain standards of treatment that respect your privacy, your dignity and your rights, and treat your record and personal data with the strictest confidence. A “price promise” is an important guarantee from your private healthcare provider, as this will avoid any nasty surprises when the bill arrives. This is a promise of an agreed price, which includes a guarantee that any further treatment required, including any returns to theatre, will not be charged for. This may not include every aspect of your treatment though, so always read the small print to see exactly what the price guarantee entails. Importantly, even the best healthcare in the world cannot guarantee the outcome of your operation. There are always variables and risks that are beyond the control of the surgical team and they cannot guarantee a successful outcome with 100% certainty. In fact, you will always be asked to sign a patient consent form, stating that you understand the risks of the operation.

Why pay for a private consultant? Even the very best consultants are still free of charge on the NHS, so why would you pay around £200 for perhaps 30 minutes of their time? There are many advantages that justify the cost of private consultations, including: No waiting lists – you can see your consultant as soon as you need to at a time to suit you More choice – you can pick the consultant you want to see, rather than the one you are assigned by the NHS No junior doctors – even when you have a consultant appointment with the NHS, there is no guarantee that you will actually see the consultant in person and you may be passed on to one of their team of junior doctors. When you pay to see a consultant, you are guaranteed to see them in person

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Fixing the price the “fixed price” surgery package If you don’t have private health insurance and want to pay out of your own pocket, most private hospitals will be able to offer you a fixed price surgery option for private hospital treatment Fixed price surgery You can get private hospital treatment without private health insurance, as a ‘self- paying’ patient. One of the options for doing so is to choose a fixed price surgery package. Promoted by many of the private hospital companies in the UK, fixed price schemes are aimed at people who do not have health insurance. They offer the advantage of having a private operation at a time that suits you and at a fixed price that has been agreed beforehand. Fixed price surgery schemes are available for many private operations, and are usually available to most people, at any age. The patient pays a fixed price for the operation which normally includes all medical and nursing care at hospital, the cost of private hospital accommodation, operating theatre fees, drugs and dressings while in hospital, as well as the surgeons’ and anaesthetists’ fees (provided that the consultant participates in the scheme). The private hospital companies publish prices for their fixed price surgery packages. However, the price may vary depending on the individual patient: •

•

A patient with other health problems or requiring particularly complex surgery may be quoted a higher price than the advertised price If you’re seeking a knee or hip replacement, you may be offered a different price depending on the

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type of prosthesis that you require or select •

In some cases, the price may vary a little, depending on the consultant whom you have chosen to do the operation

•

It is important to check what is included in the fixed price that you have been quoted to avoid any surprises when you get your bill

What is included? Most will cover you for all costs from admission through to discharge. However, the level of cover for post-operative care and for complications that may arise will vary from one provider to another. Our comparison table summarises what is on offer from the major providers of fixed price surgery packages. These packages do not cover you: •

For your initial consultation

•

For tests, scans and investigations that may be required to determine your diagnosis and what surgery you require

However, once your surgery has been decided, the cost of any tests and investigations that you require prior to admission will be included in most packages.

Agreeing the price First, discuss referral to a private surgeon or specialist with your GP. Then, approach your local private hospital and ask about details of their Fixed Price Surgery scheme. Tell them what operation you need and which consultant you would like to do it, if you have a preference. In some hospitals the price may differ depending on which surgeon does the operation. The hospital will then be able to provide you with an indicative fixed price for your private operation. This will be subject to a medical and surgical assessment by the surgeon at your initial consultation. The cost is normally payable on or before admission to the hospital, and can usually be made in cash or by cheque, or credit card. Finance schemes are available at all the major private hospitals.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate! If you don’t ask… you don’t get. Buying an operation is similar to buying a car! If the hospital needs to fill its beds, it may well be open to negotiation on the price. Check the prices available from other providers on GoPrivate.com. Some hospitals will match competitor prices. Nuffield Health offer a “Nuffield Price Promise” - If you find an alternative private hospital in your local area offering a better price for the same procedure, sold with the same service conditions, Nuffield Health will lower their price to equal it.

Comparison of fixed price surgery schemes from major providers PROVIDER

BMI

CARE UK

HCA

NUFFIELD

RAMSAY

SPIRE

Scheme name

Paying for Yourself

Self Pay

HCA Self Pay

Nuffield Price Promise

TotalCare

Self Pay

Includes initial consultation?

Includes initial outpatient diagnostic services?

Includes pre-admission assessments and tests?

Yes

Includes all hospital charges from admission to discharge?

Yes

Includes surgeon and anaesthetist fees?

Yes

Includes cost of prosthesis included for orthopaedic procedures?

Yes

Includes post operative consultation?

Yes

Includes cost of take home drugs?

Yes

Sixty days of post discharge outpatient care

Clinically necessary followup physiotherapy, radiology and pathology

Includes post-operative care?

Yes. Up to six months aftercare, based on Consultant advice

Yes

Not included

Yes. No time limits are placed on aftercare provided it is clinically required

Includes re-admission, if required

Up to six months, readmission for clinically-related reasons

Yes, if arising from the original procedure

Will not charge extra should any complications develop

Yes, if arising from the original procedure

Not stated

Up to twelve months, readmission for clinically-related reasons

Finance available?

12 months 0% interest free using the BMI Card

12 months 0% interest free, via Chrysalis Finance

10 months 0% interest free, via Zebra Health Finance

Not stated

Full refund with a minimum of five working days’ notice

Full refund with a minimum of three working days' notice

Full refund with a minimum of 14 working days’ notice

Not stated

BMI

CARE UK

HCA

NUFFIELD

RAMSAY

SPIRE

Knee replacement

£11,571

£8,995

£14,850

£ 9,560 to £15,370

£10,926 to £13,200

£9,955 to £15,502

Hip replacement

£10,576

£8,595

£14,050

£9,560 to £14,030

£10,348 to £12,500

£9,400 to £15,050

Cataract surgery

£2,273

£1,995

£2,925 to £3,250

£2,175 to £3,535

£1,833 to £2,690

£2,165 to £3,340

Hernia repair

Not published

£2,195

£3,200

£ 2,665 to £3,210

£2,516 to £2,825

Not published

Booking line

0800 142 2316

Call local hospital

0333 0110 500

0333 305 4798

Call local hospital

020 3733 2510

Cancellation

INDICATIVE PRICES

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The cost of going private may not be as high as you think. Visit GoPrivate.com to get the latest price comparisons or use the indicative prices in the table below

go The goprivate price guide

™

At GoPrivate.com, we gather the latest prices for diagnostics and “Fixed Price Surgery” packages from around the UK. Prices vary significantly from area to area and hospital to hospital, so it pays to shop around. Don’t be afraid to ask a private hospital to “price match”. Visit GoPrivate.com to check that you’re getting the best price.

OPERATIONS

LOWEST PRICE

HIGHEST PRICE

Cataract surgery

£1,883 Park Hill Hospital, Doncaster

£3,535 Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital

Dilatation and curettage (D & C)

£1,474 Park Hill Hospital, Doncaster

£5,045 Spire Gatwick Park Hospital

Gall bladder removal (Cholecystectomy)

£4,445 Spire Gatwick Park Hospital

£7,065 Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital

£4,945 Spire Alexandra Hospital, Chatham

£8,805 Spire London East Hospital

£6,145 Claremont Hospital, Sheffield

£11,950 The Wellington Hospital, London

£4,180 The Holly Private Hospital, London

£7,335 Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital

£2,570 Highgate Hospital, London

£3,730 Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital

£8,595 The Holly Private Hospital, London

£15,050 Spire Harpenden Hospital

Total knee replacement

£9,559 Claremont Hospital, Sheffield

£15,502 Spire St Anthonys Hospital

Varicose veins ablation (both legs)

£1,995 Veincentre, Manchester

£7,125 Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital

LOWEST PRICE

HIGHEST PRICE

£38 London Imaging Centre

£175 Spire Harpenden Hospital

CT scan: one body part

£430 Pall Mall Medical, Manchester

£907 Royal Brompton And Harefield

MRI scan: one body area

£190 London Imaging Centre

£885 European Scanning Centre, London

£150 Harley Street Fertility Clinic, London

£475 Spire Harpenden Hospital

Knee ligament surgery (cruciate ligament repair) Obesity surgery - gastric band Prostate surgery (TURP) Repair of inguinal hernia (keyhole surgery) Total hip replacement

SCANS AND INVESTIGATIONS X ray: one body part

Ultrasound: one area

How do I get a quote for private treatment? Visit www.goprivate.com/quote and submit a request for a quotation for private hospital treatment. Your enquiry will be forwarded to a maximum of three private healthcare providers who partner with GoPrivate. They will respond with further information and a quotation for your treatment. WINTER 2018

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Going private on the NHS Many patients are increasingly asking “Can I go private on the NHS?” The answer is that this choice is now more widely available to patients than ever before

any NHS hospitals treat private patients. There are around 80 NHS Private Patient Units that offer treatment for patients who want to pay for treatment rather than wait on the NHS. Check whether your local NHS hospital has a Private Patient Unit. Private Patient Units (PPUs) within the NHS may offer a wider choice to patients than the local private hospital. And they may offer a lower price. These PPUs will provide a similar level of comfort and privacy as you would find in a private hospital. Rooms will usually be en-suite, food will be hotel class and most PPUs operate with their own dedicated nursing and other staff to ensure that the patient’s clinical and comfort needs are met. There are several benefits of being treated privately within the NHS:

assured that there is a full range of general and specialist medical services on site, 24 hours a day. There will always be a doctor who can see you immediately in an emergency. You will have immediate access to any additional care which you might need, including a complete range of diagnostic facilities.

Confidence

In some cases, it may make sense for you to be treated in the most convenient location and this may be your local NHS hospital.

By having your private treatment in a hospital within the NHS, you can rest

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Teamwork Consultants who treat private patients in NHS hospitals are there because it is their work base and this is where they have built up a specialist team. There is always back-up from a wide range of on-site expert care, including specialist nurses and therapists.

Convenience

Lower charges NHS private patient prices can be highly competitive if you are paying for your own treatment. Fixed price packages may be available for self-funded patients.

Supporting the NHS Income generated from services provided to private patients within NHS Hospitals will go back into the hospital’s finances, to support improvements which benefit all patients at the hospital.

Am I still entitled to NHS care? Yes, you are still entitled to NHS care free of charge, if you choose to pay for additional private care whether in an NHS private patient unit or elsewhere. You may have decided to opt for a private outpatient consultation. In this case, your position on an NHS waiting list should not be affected. But, you shouldn’t need to

have any of the same tests done twice to diagnose or monitor your condition, for example. In this case, the test will probably be part of your NHS care and the result will be shared with your private care provider if necessary. You will find that there will be a clear separation between your private treatment and your NHS treatment.

What can my consultant tell me about private treatment at my NHS hospital? Your consultant will be able to tell you about the treatment options for your condition, including any that are only available to private patients (because the NHS does not fund that treatment). However, NHS consultants aren’t allowed to actively advertise their private services to NHS patients; if you want to know whether your consultant can treat you privately, you will need to ask.

Do I need a GP referral for private treatment in an NHS hospital?

No, it’s possible to seek private treatment from a consultant or specialist without being referred by your GP. However, in most cases, it is best practice for patients to be referred for specialist treatment by their GP who will be best placed to discuss the options available, including referral to a consultant who practises in an NHS private patient unit. If your GP thinks you need specialist treatment and you want to pay for it privately, they can write a letter of referral to a private consultant or specialist explaining your condition and your medical history. Your GP will only refer you to a specialist if they believe that specialist assessment or treatment is clinically necessary. If they don’t think it’s necessary, they do not have to refer you – either privately or on the NHS.

How do I find out more?

What about if I need emergency treatment, or have complications?

The NHS will be there for you if you need emergency care and treatment. You are entitled to this whether you are going private or on the NHS. If you are a patient at a private hospital and suffer complications you may be able to transfer to the local NHS hospital - into the private patient unit or to an NHS ward.

Choosing the right hospital or clinic The NHS offers a comprehensive range of treatments and care. The NHS is by its nature ‘national’ and works as a network to ensure access to specialists for rarer conditions. Such services will not be provided in all NHS hospitals but in regional or national centres of excellence. These will include specialist doctors, and similarly specialist nursing and other staff, as well as a comprehensive range of infrastructure including equipment and round-the-clock back up.

To find out where the best facility might be to support your clinical needs ask your doctor and research the NHS.

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Weight loss surgery

your main options Factors that affect your choice of treatment

here are a number of weight loss treatments and the type of weight loss procedure that is best, depends on an individual’s situation. Weight loss surgery is recommended to those who have been unsuccessful with dieting and exercise and a consultant surgeon will take many factors into account, including body mass index, eating habits, health problems, any previous surgery and the risks of each procedure before making a decision about which weight loss technique is the most appropriate before proceeding.

Gastric banding

Gastric banding is a restrictive procedure and is one of the least invasive weight loss procedures and also one of the most commonly-used. Gastric banding physically restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at meal times and works mainly by decreasing the quantity of food that can be eaten at any one time.

What is it?

Gastric banding involves placing an inflatable silicone band around the top part of the stomach. It creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach which will take less food to fill and so it will take less food to feel full.

Gastric balloon

A gastric balloon is usually inserted into the stomach for six months and works by 16

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helping patients to feel full while undertaking a weight loss programme. It’s a popular choice for those who want to ‘kick start’ their weight loss while working towards changing their lifestyle and eating habits to help keep the weight off.

What is it?

A gastric balloon is a soft silicone balloon that is inserted whilst deflated into the stomach. It is passed through the mouth and down into the stomach using an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube that has a light and a camera on one end). The balloon is then filled with sterile saline or air and left in the stomach for six months. The balloon partially fills the stomach, giving a feeling of fullness more quickly after smaller meals. After six months the balloon will be deﬂated and removed.

Gastric bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is a highly effective weight loss procedure and one of the most common types of weight loss surgery. Gastric bypass surgery helps very overweight people achieve substantial and long-term weight loss and can also be highly effective with certain types of eater.

What is it?

A gastric bypass can be carried out by laparoscope (keyhole) or by open surgery (very rarely). It is usually performed as a type of laparoscopic surgery where possible with less pain afterwards and a faster recovery time.

How to Choose a Weight Loss Surgeon/Hospital Choose a surgeon who is fully trained and qualified in Bariatric surgery Most likely trained in upper gastrointestinal surgery Make sure your surgeon is conveniently located for any post-surgery issues if they arise or for band adjustments Ensure your surgeon has a multidisciplinary team Bariatric nurses, nutritionists etc. Make sure you have comprehensive aftercare This is the key to success...Support is ultimately the one part of the journey that truly does make a real difference to the end goal

The stomach is divided into two parts and the upper section is connected directly to a section of the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach, duodenum and upper intestine and food intake is limited by a small upper stomach pouch.

Helping you every step of your weight loss journey. Ramsayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expert weight loss surgery specialists have helped change the lives of patients across the UK. Our support network sets us apart from the rest. With access to specialist nurses, nutritionists and support groups, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll receive all the support and advice to get the most out of your surgery. Find out more by visiting ramsayhealth.co.uk/weightloss or by calling 08082 781 357

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MAKING IT EASY TO SEARCH AND COMPARE Patients seeking fertility treatment in another country do so for a variety of reasons. Whatever they may be, it is not an easy task for infertile couples to locate and compare fertility clinics abroad. Fertility Treatment Abroad gives couples the information they need to make the right choice of infertility clinic. The site features leading clinics and treatment providers in over 78 countries. It is the most comprehensive online resource for people wanting to find out what is available, how much it costs, what the success rates are and how to get in touch with their preferred clinics.

Private healthcare at your fingertips Meet the Face Surgeons We are here to help with all enquiries related to the head, neck and face. Our highly specialised team of Royal College accredited surgeons can provide you with a broad range of treatments, including septo-rhinoplasty and sinus surgery, jaw, forehead and eye surgery. We also provide cosmetic procedures such as face lifts, eyelid lifts and facial rejuvenation. OUR SPECIALIST TEAM OF SURGEONS ARE: CAROLINE MILLS - Consultant maxillofacial & facial plastic surgeon HELEN WITHEROW - Consultant maxillofacial & facial plastic surgeon SARAH LITTLE - Consultant ear, nose & throat and facial plastic surgeon KATHERINE GEORGE - Consultant maxillofacial and facial plastic surgeon SARAH OSBORNE - Consultant ophthalmic, oculoplastic and cosmetic eyelid surgeon 60 Wimpole Street W1G 8AG T: 00-44 (0)207 487 2773 E: admin@thefacesurgeons.co.uk www.thefacesurgeons.co.uk

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goprivate.com

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The choice is a consultant yours choosing and hospital One of the benefits of opting for private healthcare is the decision over where you receive treatment, and who treats you. It is up to you! So what do you look for when choosing a hospital and a consultant?

sually, you will need a GP referral before you can proceed with treatment from a private consultant, so this is the best place to start your search for a consultant. Your NHS GP will be able to suggest the most appropriate private specialist for your condition. You don’t have to take their recommendation, but they will know the specialism and reputations of most local doctors in private practice.

Decide your priorities When choosing your consultant, it is important to think about why you are going private in the first place. If you’re looking for speedy treatment, then you need to check availability. The best consultants are often the busiest. If quality of outcome is most important, then you need to choose a consultant who works out of a hospital that meets your standards. It is also worth travelling to get the best consultant, who may be based in a regional centre of excellence or an NHS Teaching Hospital.

Narrowing down the search When you are paying for your treatment, you want to be sure that you are getting the very highest standards of care from the best private consultants. To help you make a decision make sure you: •

•

Talk to friends and relatives who have had treatment Research the consultant online at sites such as www.privatehealth.co.uk and www.harleystreet.com and on their own website or their hospital website

•

Google the consultant to see if there are any positive or negative reviews and news reports about them

The Care Quality Commission at www.cqc.org.uk enables you to check the quality of care provided in private hospitals and their service ratings.

•

Check their qualifications and experience in the field on the GMC Register at www.gmc-uk.org

What facilities are available?

•

If possible, check their published success rates, including unexpected returns to theatre and infection rates. In some specialties, outcome data for consultants is now being published. If you’re considering a hip or knee replacement, take a look at the National Joint Registry at www.njrcentre.org.uk

First impressions count Once you’ve chosen a consultant make contact with him or her and their private secretary. The way your enquiry is dealt with may give you a good idea of how you will be dealt with during your treatment. Make an appointment with the consultant, but remember, your course of treatment is not set in stone. If you do not feel that you are able to communicate with your consultant, if you don’t like their attitude or you feel uncomfortable for any other reason, you do not have to proceed with treatment.

Location, location, location... Choosing where to receive private medical treatment is also important and likely to be influenced by several factors. If staying local is a priority, then a little online research into private clinics and hospitals in your area could go a long way.

One of the key questions to ask when doing your research is whether the hospital or clinic offers the services you require, or better still, specialises in this kind of treatment. It may be worth travelling to a specialist unit, rather than having treatment nearer home at a less well-equipped facility. You also need to ask what facilities are available in case of an emergency. Many smaller private hospitals do not have intensive care or high dependency units, which means that you will be sent to the nearest NHS hospital if anything goes badly wrong.

Previous patient feedback You can find patient satisfaction rates and more detailed patient feedback online, either at the hospital or clinic’s own website or on comparison websites and forums. While the raw data of performance indicators will tell you part of the story, the personal experience of fellow patients can often be far more illuminating. Take a look at www.privatehealth.co.uk/reviews.

See for yourself Make an appointment to visit the hospital or clinic, talk to the staff and, perhaps, some of the current private patients and make sure that it ‘feels right’ on a personal level for you.

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Financing your operation Private hospitals and clinics want to make it as affordable as possible for you to gain access to their treatments and surgery, so most of them will offer finance schemes to help you out

hese schemes allow you to spread the cost of your treatment into affordable monthly repayments. For most schemes, you may get your finance interest free, if you pay back the loan over the first 10-12 months, which means that you would pay no more for spreading the cost than you would for paying it all in one go. If you want smaller repayments, then you will probably have to pay interest to spread the cost over a longer term. This means you will pay more overall, but less up front and less each month. As with all finance, hospital finance schemes are subject to status, and your credit history will dictate the schemes and loans that you are able to apply for, as well as the interest rates you will be offered.

The disadvantage of finance schemes for private treatment Even if you can afford the repayments on a finance scheme for private surgery or treatment, it may not be a good idea. By committing to monthly repayments, you could take away the ability to fund more important treatment later. For most people, taking a loan for private healthcare is a one-off opportunity, so you need to consider it very carefully before you commit yourself.

Summary of major finance schemes

Scheme

Interest free?

Set up fee?

Upper credit limit?

Time limited by provider?

Other features

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Spire

BMI

Nuffield

Ramsay

HCA

Provided by Zebra Health Finance

BMI card

Provided by Zebra Health Finance

Provided by Chrysalis Finance

Yes, if paid in either six or ten monthly instalments

For first 12 months then APR of 9.9% Subsequent procedures also qualify for initial 12-month interest free period

Yes, if paid in either six or ten monthly instalments

Yes, for the first 12 months

£55

£95

£55

Procedure specific but upper limit of £10,000

£20,000

Procedure specific but upper limit of £10,000

Up to £50,000 available with max APR of 9.9%. First 12 months interest free

Not stated. Procedure specific

Yes, two years

Not stated. Procedure specific

Online payments available via BMI website. Card payments can be made via dedicated telephone payment line

Online payments available via HCA website including bank transfer

Health screening

Prevention is better than cure

Our bodies are dynamic and constantly changing living beings, so routinely checking that everything is behaving as it should be makes good health sense

eriodic health screening allows early detection of any signs or symptoms of ill health or disease. Generally, the earlier a doctor is able to diagnose a condition, the better likelihood there is to successfully treat it. Early detection of many health conditions and diseases can be life-saving. Although the NHS provides some free health screening services for men and women such as Bowel Cancer Screening, Breast Screening and Cervical Screening programmes, there is no national NHS screening programme for diseases such as prostate and testicular cancer, osteoporosis and glaucoma. The private sector fills the gap and provides a wide range of health screening services for individuals who wish to invest in their health and in the early detection and prevention of diseases. Most health screens for individuals will include a consultation with a doctor or nurse, a full medical and family history, a medical examination and a series of tests relevant to your age and sex which will determine your state of health. Many health screens will also incorporate a proactive element in terms of providing a personal health action plan which encourages healthy living and reduces the risks of major diseases. The types of health screens available vary significantly in their content and in price. Many companies offer products such as Executive Health Screens, Well Man and Well Woman Screens, Personal Health Profiles, Health Risk Assessments and individual tests and check-ups such as Breast Screening (including Mammography or breast X Ray), and Prostate Cancer Screening for men.

Why have a health screen?

You should expect:

The aims of health screening are threefold:

•

A physical examination and appropriate tests

•

To identify pre-existing health problems

•

A consultation with a doctor or nurse

•

To assess your risk factors for disease

•

Advice about behavioural and lifestyle change

•

To provide recommendations on your lifestyle and health that will encourage a longer and healthier life

•

A written report

•

Supporting information about maintaining a healthy lifestyle

•

Many health screens will also incorporate a proactive element helping to develop a personal health action plan to encourage a healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of illness

You should compare closely what is offered when you approach a hospital or a company about health screening. Look at what tests make up the screen and make a comparison between screens. Ideally, you should select a health screen, that is tailored to your requirements, according to your sex, age, family, and medical history.

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Find an online GP G

P services are now widely available online. Nearly 14 million NHS patients across England are now using secure online services with their family doctor to book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view their records. In the private sector, this has been taken a stage further – providing online GP consultations via your PC, mobile or tablet. A private GP… available 24 hours a day… accessible via your PC, mobile device or tablet. That’s the reality of private healthcare in 2018. In the past couple of years, there’s been an expansion of online private GP services. By paying an annual membership or a small fee for a one-off consultation, you can now speak to an online GP through a video consultation.

You can consult with a GP, get a private prescription delivered to your local pharmacy or direct to your door, and, if necessary, get a referral letter to a specialist for further investigation. The GPs are all NHS qualified and the online services are monitored by the Care Quality Commission. Secure encryption ensures that your medical record, consultations and data are kept confidential. If you wish you can opt for your NHS GP to receive information about your online consultation, but it is not a requirement.

How do I find out more? Take a look at our comparison table or go online to www.goprivate.com/gp to access these GP services

Comparison of online GP services Push Doctor

babylon

Doctor Care Anywhere

Now GP

The GP Service

www.pushdoctor. co.uk

www.babylonhealth. com

www. doctorcareanywhere. com

www.nowgp.com

www.thegpservice. co.uk

Doctors in network

7,000

200+

Not stated

1,000+

Membership scheme?

£30 pa

£50 pa

£130 pa

No individual membership scheme available.

Corporate membership scheme for Enterprise customers

£20 per unlimited length consultation (member) £30 for 10 minute consultation (non-member)

Free 10 minute consultation (member) £25 per 10 minute consultation (non-member)

Unlimited, free online appointments (member) £60 per appointment (non-member)

Consultations are priced at variable rates as per corporate contract

£25 per 10 minute consultation

8am to 8pm

24 hours, 7 days

24 hours

24 hours, 7 days

8am to 8pm, 7 days

Yes

£8 fee to local pharmacy

No fee to local pharmacy

Yes. UK delivered private prescriptions tend to cost less than £10 per item, including delivery

£5 to local pharmacy. £6.50 delivered next day. £9.99 for same day delivery in Central London

£5 fee to local pharmacy.

Visa, Mastercard and AMEX

Free for members, £15 for non-members

No charge

Not stated

No charge

£15

0330 808 4702

03302 231 008

0330 088 4980

0808 3018 067

0247 615 8050

Web

Cost

Availability Video consultation

Prescription service

Payment Charge for referral letter Call

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Need a second opinion? A

fter seeing a consultant in the private sector or perhaps on the NHS, you may wish to seek a second opinion to make sure that you are being recommended the right approach to treatment. Second opinion services are becoming more prevalent and easy to access. You can ask your GP whether he or she thinks a second opinion may be appropriate. You can request a second opinion from another consultant or specialist. Or a family member or a carer can ask for one on your behalf, but they must have your consent to do this.

What services are available? Most private consultants are happy to provide a second opinion. You will need to provide the consultant with your full

medical history and the results of any recent scans and investigations. You may choose to meet them face to face or to conduct the consultation online, using a service such as www.harleystreet.com/secondopinion. In this instance, your upload your medical history and scans to a secure online portal and select the doctor from whom you would like an opinion. Having reviewed your case history, the doctor may offer a consultation via a secure video link, to save you visiting the practice or hospital. Some specialist hospitals offer a second opinion service. For example, the NHS operated Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Specialist Care offer access to expert medical opinions from their consultants on heart and lung disease via an online consultation service.

What does it cost? The cost of a second opinion may vary according to the experience and expertise of the consultant and the nature of your disease. You should expect to pay upwards of ÂŁ400 for a full review of your case history, an expert opinion and a written report. A second opinion from Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Specialist Care costs ÂŁ495. The second opinion service provided by www.harleystreet.com/secondopinion costs ÂŁ500.

How do I find out more? Visit www.harleystreet.com/ secondopinion

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PIONEERS OF THE PAST Lionel Logue (1880 - 1953)

Back in 1926

George VI, the Duke of York, dreaded public speaking. His solution... find a Harley Street specialist who could fix his severe stammer. Lionel Logue, an Australian speech and language therapist, was the solution.

Today

You can find some of the world’s best consultants and specialists in London on HarleyStreet.com - an exclusive collection of more than 1,500 leading surgeons, physicians and healthcare professionals, all conveniently based in and around Harley Street.

FIND THE BEST ON HARLEY STREET SELECT

SPECIALISING IN

Doctor or specialist

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▼

e.g. CT scan, Cardiology

BY NAME (OPTIONAL) ○

e.g. Smith

The Harley Street option? H

arley Street is one of the most famous streets in London, enjoying a world-wide reputation as a centre of private medical excellence. Visit HarleyStreet.com to search the best of London’s healthcare. There are some 1,500 medical practitioners in and around the Harley Street area, and an extensive choice of Harley Street specialists, clinics, and private hospitals providing services from cancer treatment to cosmetic surgery. But Harley Street isn’t just one street. The Harley Street area embraces roughly one square mile of London, where there is a concentration of medical expertise and healthcare facilities that is unparalleled anywhere in the world. Under the stewardship of the area’s landlord, Howard de Walden Estate, investment has been made in cutting edge healthcare technology and state of the art medical facilities. Harley Street represents the “best of British healthcare”. Although the media presents Harley

Street as a destination for those seeking cosmetic surgery, the truth is very different. Harley Street is the private practice base for some of the leading names in surgery and medicine. Many Harley Street doctors and surgeons work in the NHS and are attached to London teaching hospitals such as University College Hospital, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals, the Royal Free and Royal London Hospitals and Great Ormond Street Hospital. Several major private hospitals are situated in the area including The Harley Street Clinic, the Princess Grace Hospital, the Portland Hospital for Women and Children, The London Clinic and the Royal family’s favourite; the King Edward VII Hospital, Sister Agnes. But can Harley Street offer an affordable option for patients seeking private treatment?

What does it cost to see a Harley Street specialist? The cost of an initial consultation with one of Harley Street’s leading specialists varies but it’s likely to be comparable with the price you pay at your local “out of London” private hospital. A consultation with Dr Rina Agrawal, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine, costs £200, with Mr Sanjay Agrawal, a Consultant Surgeon specialising in weight loss surgery, it’s £195, with Amit Amin, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, it’s £200 and with Tom Bourne, a Consultant Gynaecologist, it’s £190. At the London General Practice, a registered patient can see a private GP for £195 or undergo a full health screening for £650. A General Health Check Up at 58 Harley Street will cost £285. The RoC Private Clinic at 45 Queen Anne Street provides telephone consultations from £50. If you’re looking to book an affordable MRI scan, prices start at just £200 at the London Imaging Centre at 11-12 Wimpole Street.

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Featured clinics Harley Street One of the strengths of Harley Street is the concentration of medical and surgical expertise that is available through specialist clinics and centres. These centres bring leading consultants together under one roof to provide in depth knowledge and a range of treatment options.

London Foot and Ankle Centre londonfootandanklecentre.co.uk  020 7965 7572  enquiries@tlfac.co.uk

The Face Surgeons thefacesurgeons.co.uk  020 7487 2773  admin@thefacesurgeons.co.uk

Sleeping Disorders Centre Michael Oko, ENT Surgeon sleepthebestmedicine.com  0203 0753150  info@150harleyst.com

Fertilityone2one Rina Agrawal, Fertility Specialist fertilityone2one.co.uk  07976 478188  ivflondon@gmail.com

Diana Holdright Consultant Cardiologist drholdright.co.uk  0207 631 4346  info@drholdright.co.uk

London Spine Group Dan Plev, Consultant Spinal & Neurosurgeon londonspinegroup.co.uk  07901 366155  help.spine@gmail.com

Karen Joash Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist drkarenjoash.com  020 3291 1981  info@drkarenjoash.com 26

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The London Foot and Ankle Centre boasts a breadth of treatment options and depth of expertise that is unmatched by most other treatment providers. The highly specialised team of consultant surgeons work closely together and have a proven track record of finding solutions for the most challenging of foot and ankle problems.

The Face Surgeons is a leading multidisciplinary clinic for treatments of the face, head and neck. Their experienced surgeons are highly specialised in providing treatments for eyes, nose, skin, chin, jaw, ears, forehead and lips and mouth. They also offer premium facial rejuvenation surgery, as well as facial feminisation surgery and a host of non-surgical treatments. A skilled Consultant ENT Surgeon based at 150 Harley Street, Mr Michael Oko specialises in Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. He treats ear, nose and throat complaints such as sinus disease and swallowing problems, as well as investigations and the management of sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea and snoring. The Sleeping Disorders Centre will address your sleeping problems and enhance the quality of your life.

With 25 years’ experience in gynaecology and obstetrics and over 17 years’ experience in fertility and assisted conception, Dr Rina Agrawal is a fertility specialist providing IVF at 121 Harley Street and in Warwickshire. Renowned for her caring nature and holistic approach, Rina offers a range of infertility and IVF treatments to help women who are trying to become pregnant.

Dr Diana Holdright is a Harley Street-based Consultant Cardiologist and Heart Specialist with extensive experience in all aspects of adult cardiology. She provides a wide range of tests and treatments for cardiac symptoms and concerns including breathlessness, chest pain, dizzy spells, high blood pressure and raised cholesterol.

Based at his own private practice at 116 Harley Street, Dan Plev is an experienced neurosurgeon and spinal specialist. Offering minimal invasive motion preservation, Mr Plev practices surgical and non-surgical treatment for the full range of spinal problems including degenerative spinal conditions, osteoporosis, spinal tumours and trauma to the spine.

Ms Karen Joash is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, practising in Harley Street and Central London. She provides highquality services to women suffering from a range of conditions. Treatments provided include: obstetrics maternal medicine, perinatal mental health, disorders of menstrual bleeding including polyps and fibroids, as well as well women checks and fertility advice.

and consultants Across the UK Leading private consultants and specialists are available across the UK. All are GMC registered and have extensive experience gained in their NHS posts within major Trust hospitals.

South Wales Kartik Hariharan Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Foot and Ankle Specialist

Kartik is an internationally recognised foot and ankle specialist based in South Wales offering the latest treatments and surgical techniques for foot and ankle conditions including sports injuries, bunions, arthritis, foot and toe deformities, diabetic foot problems and heel pain.

stjosephshospital.co.uk/page/ourconsultants/mr-kartik-hariharan.php  01495 270401  footsecretary@googlemail.com

South Yorkshire Paul Haslam Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon parkhillhospital.co.uk  01302 553 355  parkhill.enquiries@ramsayhealth.co.uk

Mr Paul Haslam is Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and specialist knee surgeon in Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Foundation Trust. He consults privately at Park Hill Hospital in Doncaster. Mr Haslam qualified as a fellowship trained specialist knee surgeon with over 11 years of experience as a consultant.

Leicester Professor David Lloyd Consultant Gallstone & Hernia Surgeon davidmlloyd.com  0116 265 3044  info@davidmlloyd.com

Professor David M Lloyd is an experienced and pioneering surgeon offering the most up-to-date treatments for gallstones, including scarless cholecystectomy, abdominal hernias and groin pain including the Lloyd Release Procedure for Sportsman’s Groin.

Southampton Guy Roberts Consultant Psychiatrist thepsychiatrists.co.uk  0845 220 2456  guy.roberts@thepsychiatrists.co.uk

Dr Guy Roberts specialises in working age psychiatry, and occupational health psychiatry including the treatment of all common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar affective disorder, PTSD, substance misuse addiction, psychosis, and schizophrenia.

Leeds Kostas Papagiannopoulos Consultant Thoracic Surgeon spirehealthcare.com/consultants  0113 206 8776  mkotti@yahoo.com

Mr Papagiannopoulos is a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon in Leeds who offers treatment for benign and malignant conditions of the chest such as lung cancer, emphysema, chest wall deformities, thoracic outlet syndrome, atrial fibrillation and mesothelioma.

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Fast access to great healthcare in central London

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to see your GP? Need a full health check? Waiting for a scan? On a waiting list or canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t access the tests or treatment you need? Worried about cancer? Need a second opinion? BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY WITH OUR ONSITE GPS

WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE OUR HOSPITAL Fast access Same day results and consultant referrals No waiting list for surgery Affordable self pay packages available All major health insurance companies accepted

Many services are available on the same day or weekends with test results often available on the same day Call us on 020 3918 7159 www.thelondonclinic.co.uk/GoPrivate The London Clinic is a registered charity, committed to reinvesting financial surplus to help improve healthcare for patients. The London Clinic, 20 Devonshire Place, London W1G 6BW Excellence in patient care since 1932. Registered charity number: 211136