Why would anyone pay to go a Private GPs Surgery when it is free on the NHS?

May 26, 2010 - PRLog -- Despite significant government investment, NHS resources continue to be stretched and patients are becoming more disillusioned by a system that is failing to offer them the treatments that they want and need. Many GPs are so bogged down with trying to get to grips with the constant introduction of new systems that it is simply impossible for them to provide the care and service that their patients deserve.

One of the main reasons for going to a Private Clinic is that you simply are not satisfied with the level of treatment that you are receiving on the NHS. Maybe this is because you are not able to get an appointment without waiting a week or without taking time off work? Maybe it is because when you do get an appointment, you end up waiting up to an hour to see the Doctor? Maybe when you actually get to see the doctor you are not given enough time in a consultation? Maybe you are left waiting after the appointment for results, referrals or advice that never actually transpires?

Private Healthcare Clinics give you flexibility and they also give you a choice. A choice in when and where you want to be treated, a choice to see a male or female GP, a choice of Consultant or Private Specialist, the choice of gaining a second opinion from an Independent Doctor or simply the choice to see someone that you haven’t seen before; you may be embarrassed or you may not want that particular Doctor to know about a condition. However, you may be concerned that by going to a Private Doctor’s Surgery you will be harming the relationship between you and your current NHS GP or that the Private GP will not have access to your previous medical history. Although the Private Healthcare Sector and the NHS are separate, they work closely together and the patient’s health and wellbeing is paramount. Consultations with a Private GP can be as confidential or collaboratory as you require.

Private GPs may also be able to offer treatments that are not available on the NHS; for instance, Single Measles, Mumps and Rubella Immunisations (MMR) and Gardasil the Cervical Cancer Vaccine which provides protection against the HPV Virus and Genital Warts. Many Private GP Surgeries provide Travel Vaccines, Occupational Health for Pre-employment Medicals & Absence Management, Flu Vaccinations, Health Screens including Blood and Drug Tests, Smoking & Dieting advice, Anti-Wrinkle / Anti-Ageing injections or Botox for Medical conditions not associated with cosmetics such as Hyperhidrosis.

In treating an illness or condition, time is one of the most important factors. The more time that is wasted waiting, the longer the illness has to develop or the longer you are left suffering with the condition. Some people feel that they can’t afford to go private, but when it comes to you or your family’s health, can you afford not to? Time is money and it may work out that taking time off work to go and see doctor actually costs more than paying to see a Private GP. Most Private Doctors can offer daily appointments at times that are convenient to you. You will have more time with the doctor in the appointment and referrals to specialist consultants are delivered significantly faster. Generally, Private Patients can expect to be in more relaxed & comfortable environment and also more personal level of service.

The Independent General Practice provides Private Healthcare services in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea & Bristol. For more information please visit: http://www.theindependentgeneralpractice.co.uk http://www.igptreatmentclinics.com http://www.subclix.com

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About The Independent General Practice: The IGP is a Private Healthcare service offering Private GP consultations, travel advice, vaccinations, physiotherapy, occupational health & a range of anti-ageing treatments to individuals, families and businesses. We currently have surgeries in Bristol, Cardiff City Centre, Cardiff Gate, Newport and Swansea.