Private Healthcare Information Network

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.

06/02/2026

Considering eyelid surgery? 👁️✨

Blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes extra skin from the eyelids. People look into it for different reasons, such as feeling that heavy eyelids make them appear tired or that the skin is affecting comfort or day to day tasks.

Katy’s experience offers a picture of what the process can involve. She leads a very active life but felt her eyelids did not match how energetic she is, and the heaviness contributed to headaches. She did not meet NHS criteria, so she looked into private treatment. During her consultation she felt at ease and well informed. She was awake and comfortable during the procedure, and her recovery involved minimal bruising and little discomfort. She also appreciated the follow up and felt her result looked natural.

If you are thinking about this type of surgery, looking at patient stories like Katy’s can help you understand what questions to ask and what the experience might be like.

Read Katy's full story at phin.org.uk

22/01/2026

Thinking about having medical or cosmetic treatment outside the UK?

Cheaper deals and 'all‑inclusive' packages can look tempting, but they may hide important risks. Rules and safety standards vary a lot between countries. It can also be hard to know if a surgeon is properly qualified, and getting help if something goes wrong can be difficult once you’re home.

Most travel insurance won’t cover planned procedures or any complications. This means unexpected bills can quickly add up.

If you’re considering treatment abroad, make sure you:
✔️ Check how healthcare is regulated in that country
✔️ Make sure the surgeon is properly registered and qualified
✔️ Have a clear consultation so you understand the risks
✔️ Think about aftercare and any follow‑up appointments
✔️ Work out the full cost, not just the headline price

Read our full guide for more tips on staying safe.

Medical tourism can be appealing with lower costs and glossy marketing, but it often masks risks. You can reduce those with this advice.

19/01/2026

Electronic Health Records are changing the experience patients have across the NHS and private healthcare.

They help ensure your information is accurate and ready when a clinician needs it, so you don’t have to repeat your medical history or remember every detail of past care. They also reduce the risk of important information being overlooked.

As part of our Health Innovations series, our latest blog explains how EHRs make appointments easier and give patients more confidence that their care team has the full picture. Link in the comments.

16/01/2026

Many private consultants also work in the NHS.
Want to see who’s working privately?
Check out phin.org.uk