Private Healthcare Information Network

28/04/2026

Our data shows a 50% rise in private bowel cancer admissions among people under 50 in 2021.

We’re also seeing more demand for tests to diagnose bowel cancer, like colonoscopies.

You can read the full findings at phin.org.uk

21/04/2026

When your child needs medical treatment, it can be a frightening and emotional time. Alongside worrying about their health, you may also find yourself trying to understand your options, ask the right questions and make decisions under pressure.

Some families consider private healthcare as part of that process. If you do, there are a few important things it can help to know. Not all treatments are suitable for children, and for some conditions, especially those that need ongoing or complex care, NHS treatment may be the best option. This is not about quality, but about long-term support, specialist networks and being treated closer to home.

If you are looking at private care, it is worth taking time to compare both consultants and hospitals. This includes looking at their experience with children, how often they carry out similar procedures, whether the hospital has child-friendly facilities and trained staff, and what support is available for the wider family. Not all private hospitals can admit children, and many do not have intensive or critical care units, so it is important to understand what would happen if complications arose.

Costs can also vary and may increase if further treatment is needed, so it is important to ask for clear information upfront and check what is included, whether you are paying yourself or using insurance. You always have the right to ask questions, seek a second opinion, and take time to decide what feels right for your child and your family.

We have worked with Great Ormond Street Hospital to develop guidance for parents that brings all of this together in one place: https://www.phin.org.uk/help/thinking-about-private-health-treatment-for-your-child--what-you-should-know

08/04/2026

Thinking about having your tonsils removed?

A tonsillectomy is an operation to remove the tonsils at the back of your throat. Your doctor may offer a tonsillectomy operation if you (or your child) keep getting tonsilitis (an infection of your tonsils). Your doctor will want to know exactly how many times you (or your child) has had tonsilitis over a period of time.

They’ll also want to know how much of an impact it’s had in terms of needing time off school or work. A tonsillectomy will stop you from getting repeated attacks of tonsilitis. But it won’t be able to stop sore throats for other reasons or throat infections.

Surgery is usually done as a day case under general anaesthetic, with recovery taking up to two weeks. Sore throats and ear pain are normal at first, and pain can peak about a week after surgery before easing.

You can have a tonsillectomy on the NHS or privately. NHS waiting times vary and can be several months, while private treatment may offer quicker access. Costs and what’s included can differ depending on where you’re treated.

We’ve pulled together clear, practical information on:
• when tonsil removal may be offered
• what happens during the operation
• recovery and possible risks
• private costs and insurance

Read the full guide on the PHIN website to help you decide what’s right for you.
🔗 phin.org.uk/help/tonsillectomy

01/04/2026

When people think about private healthcare, they often imagine a single appointment or procedure and that’s it.

But for many patients, the story doesn’t end there.

PHIN data shows that a significant number of people return for private care over time – often to the same hospital and with the same consultant.

Our analysis found that:
- Around 169,000 patients had more than one private hospital admission
- Most returned to the same hospital
- Nearly 84% stayed with the same consultant

Repeat patients were more likely to be aged 40 and over, with the largest group aged 70 to 79.

For many people, private healthcare is not a one‑off experience. It involves ongoing relationships and continuity of care, which matters for how services are planned and delivered.

Read more on the PHIN website: www.phin.org.uk

25/03/2026

Hernias are more common than you might think. Natalie’s experience shows how symptoms can build and affect work, hobbies and confidence, and how supportive care and the right treatment can help. If you notice ongoing pain and a new bulge, speak to your GP and ask about your options.

Read Natalie’s full story on the PHIN website.

16/03/2026

If your doctor has recommended a prostate ultrasound and biopsy, it’s usually because of symptoms, changes in your PSA, or a family history of prostate problems. The first step is often a GP appointment, where you may have an exam and blood test before being referred to a urologist for further checks.

The biopsy is normally a short day‑case procedure. Your clinical team will talk you through the benefits and risks and explain the type of anaesthetic you’ll be given. The area is numbed, an ultrasound probe is gently inserted into the re**um, and a small needle is used to take tissue samples. The procedure usually takes 10–20 minutes, and you can ask to pause or stop at any time.

Most patients go home the same day. It’s common to have some soreness or see a little blood in your urine or stool for a few days. Contact the hospital if you can’t urinate, develop a fever or chills, or have heavy bleeding or severe pain.

What happens next depends on your results. Your consultant may arrange an MRI scan and will talk you through your biopsy findings, including your Gleason score and any recommended next steps. The procedure is available on the NHS, and private care may offer faster access or more choice of consultants. Costs vary depending on location and whether you’re using insurance or self‑funding.

Find our full prostate ultrasound and biopsy guide, along with all our other patient guides, on the PHIN website: phin.org.uk

11/03/2026

Today marks No Smoking Day, with the message: 'A smoke‑free life starts with a smoke‑free day.'

If you have surgery coming up, now could be the perfect time to quit. Stopping smoking will reduce your risk of complications and helps you heal better afterwards. Even a short smoke‑free period before your operation can improve your safety and recovery.

✔️ Search 'NHS Smokefree' for practical help and support
✔️ Visit phin.org.uk/help for other tips on preparing for specific types of surgery

09/03/2026

With the news last week that chemotherapy is now the most common private procedure, here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about going private for treatment.

26/02/2026

A salpingo‑oophorectomy is surgery to remove one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can be done through open surgery (longer recovery) or minimally invasive laparoscopic or robot‑assisted techniques (usually faster recovery). You’ll be under general anaesthetic, and may go home the same day depending on the approach.

Recovery times vary: around 8 weeks after open surgery and 2–3 weeks after laparoscopic or robotic surgery. At home, you’ll be given guidance on caring for your incisions, managing pain, taking antibiotics if prescribed, and knowing when to resume normal activities, including s*x. Light discharge, spotting and cramping are common at first. Avoid heavy lifting and tight clothing while healing.

Risks are uncommon but can include infection, bleeding, hernias, scar tissue, or urinary tract injury. If both ovaries are removed, you’ll enter menopause, which may cause hot flushes, sleep issues, low mood, or vaginal dryness. HRT is often recommended to ease symptoms and help protect bone health.

For those having this surgery, finding the right consultant is important. PHIN makes it easy to compare private consultants, see profiles and fees, and read patient feedback to help you feel confident in your care.

www.phin.org.uk

24/02/2026

You may need heart surgery if you have blocked arteries, a damaged or narrow valve, or another heart problem that cannot be treated with medicine alone.

The NHS provides excellent treatment, but waiting times can be long. Some people opt for private care to get faster access and choose their surgeon and hospital.

If you do go private, you start with a GP referral. You then see a private cardiologist for tests. If you need surgery, you meet a cardiac surgeon who explains the procedure and your options.

Common surgeries, like bypasses or valve replacements, help restore normal blood flow. Private surgery usually starts from around £20,000-£25,000 depending on the hospital and the procedure, rising to £40,000+ for aortic valve replacements.

Read our full cardiac surgery guide in the comments.

Facing heart surgery is a daunting prospect. If you or a loved one needs a cardiac procedure, you might be wondering about all your options.

13/02/2026

If you were having surgery, you would probably want your surgeon to know exactly what to expect before the day.

Virtual reality (VR) is starting to make that possible in the UK. Using scan data, surgeons can now step inside a digital model of a patient’s body before an operation takes place. This allows them to see the area in detail and plan how they will carry out the procedure.

Complex anatomy can be explored in advance rather than discovered during surgery. Teams can think through difficult parts ahead of time and feel more prepared when the operation begins.

VR is also helping with training. Surgeons can practise in realistic environments without risk to patients, which helps build experience before performing procedures in real life.

Technology like this does not replace the judgement or skill of a surgeon. It helps them prepare more thoroughly, which can make surgery feel safer and more predictable from a patient’s point of view.

09/02/2026

Thinking about going private for pregnancy or childbirth? Here are a few things worth knowing.