Here in the UK we are lucky enough to have the NHS to take care of us for free should we fall ill. But many people opt out of this service in favour of private hospitals in the UK. This is due to the many benefits private hospitals can offer their patients, including:

Individual care

Patients are able to hand pick their consultant, who will have years of experience in a specialised field of care. Your doctor and other supporting staff such as nurses will be there for you in all stages of your treatment, including aftercare for as long as is necessary.

Private hospitals offer private rooms with an en-suite, allowing guests to visit you without the usual visiting hour restrictions in NHS hospitals. Food is generally of a high standard, with some hospitals offering a chef on site who prepares all the meals and snacks.

Avoid long waiting lists

A major benefit of a private hospital over an NHS one is the speed at which you will be treated. Often you will be able to book appointments at times that suit you which can be far more convenient that fitting around the hospital instead.

In most cases getting swift treatment is incredibly important, especially if the condition is serious. Private hospitals can give you that immediacy, and this is a very common reason for going private.

Reduced risk of infection

Superbugs and viruses such as MRSA have become a deep concern amongst many people, after deaths and injuries sustained by patients who were originally admitted to hospital with non life threatening conditions. Levels of the superbugs prevalence differ from hospital to hospital, however many private hospitals in the UK do have significantly lower rates in comparison to NHS hospitals. It is worth checking these out if you are considering going private.

There are of course other benefits too, like state-of-the-art equipment and access to treatments that may not be available on the NHS. The main barrier has traditionally been the cost however this has changed in recent times with many private hospitals now offering loans to patients, making private healthcare more accessible to everyone.