The argument if a private patient should be allowed at an NHS location is not the debate here. For one thing, the debate would require a substantially longer blog article than space will allow!
This blog instead seeks to answer the patient’s question of “ Can I be seen privately on the NHS?” And the answer is YES.
There are many, many NHS facilities at which private patients may be seen.
Known as PPU (Private Patient Units), these units in the NHS offer a greater choice to those patients wishing to be seen privately. What is interesting is that the prices for an NHS Private Patient are often very competitive when compared with a private hospital.
Do not assume though that only self-funders can be seen at a PPU. In reality, most PPU are recognised by the Private Insurance Companies and often will arrange for their account to be sent direct to the insurance company.
However some policies – see an earlier blog – will restrict access to certain hospitals of the insurance company’s choice.
But in answer to the real life question asked by a patient of an MHM consultant surgeon client, YES a patient can be seen privately at an NHS location.