Some public hospitals have been coming to short-term arrangements with private hospitals so as to reduce their unacceptably long waiting lists. The reason is that waiting lists for operations have become so long that it is a risk to give patients waiting any longer. Unfortunately, many patients have no choice but to wait as long as they are told to, even though the operation they need is an essential one that would lead to the quality of their life being greatly improved.
Appointments for planned, elective procedures can occasionally be hampered by unforeseen circumstances beyond the hospital’s control, such as severely adverse weather conditions. Bad weather conditions, for instance, and also reduced budget allocations. Such circumstances as these inevitably have a knock-on effect on waiting lists.
With the pressures on public hospitals resulting in extended waiting lists, an increasing number of patients now look towards the alternative option of private healthcare. For some, ‘going private’ might appear daunting, however,, following a few basic steps can result in the patient being free to enjoy the best of both worlds.
A local doctor is normally the first port of call. They will give unbiased advice and help the patient make an informed decision on the best way to meet their specific needs. Should tests be required, for example, most private hospitals can carry these out more promptly than at public hospitals, and at a time that is convenient to the individual.
Most medical consultants work in both fields, based in private practice at a local private hospital, whilst also being employed by a public hospital. For patients wanting to see a hospital specialist privately, their local doctor can make the necessary arrangements for them. Some patients opt for private healthcare so as to make sure that they are under the care of a particular consultant, who might be one they have seen in the past or had recommended to them.
Booking to see a specialist privately generally takes around two weeks. The consultant’s secretary liaises directly with the hospital about patient admissions. Although private hospitals are not permitted to advocate individual consultants, it is permissible for patients to contact their local hospital and ask where a certain specialist bases his private practice.
Still, it is not always necessary to contact a local doctor in order to access private healthcare. Some services can be arranged by contacting the private hospital direct. For an increasing number of people, the solution is to arrange a private healthcare plan, or expat health insurance as it is referred to if you live overseas. Such cover gives you the option of using the traditional public hospital route or accessing private healthcare directly.
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Please visit the the Premier Choice Group website for access to the best possible expat health insurance rates for all levels of cover irrespective of your country of residence.
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