Private Healthcare Information Network

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

09/01/2026

Private healthcare has a longer story than you might think. This quick video traces the milestones and what they mean today.

To learn more about how private healthcare works, visit phin.org.uk

08/01/2026

Carpal tunnel began to shape Humphrey’s nights and his everyday independence. Sleep was interrupted, routine activities felt harder, and he felt he had little support from his GP. He decided to explore private care in Somerset.

A £95 consultation gave him clear explanations and time to ask questions. He chose surgery, and a cancellation meant an earlier date than expected. The experience felt calm and efficient. Stitches were removed at his GP after 10 days, and recovery was quick. Movement returned, confidence returned, and he went back to the gym.

Humphrey’s journey shows how information, choice and timely treatment can change life after symptoms have taken hold.

Read more patient stories at phin.org.uk

07/01/2026

It's common at this time of year to think more about your health and to take steps to improve it.

If you're considering private treatment or tests, PHIN provides clear, independent data on costs and patient outcomes so you can plan ahead with confidence.

www.phin.org.uk

17/12/2025

GP and health influencer Dr Aziz Sesay is campaigning to stop people thinking words for parts of women's bodies are rude. Using the correct terms can make a real difference and ensure the right result.

She's released a song to help spread her message. Why not give it a listen and help her get to no.1 this Christmas.

How you can support until 18 December 2025:

• Stream or download the track (downloads count most)
• Share the link with your networks
• Use the song in Reels, Stories or TikToks
• Join the hashtag
• Repost campaign content from

Search: “They Are Not Bad Words – Dr. Aziza Sesay & Tonia Daley Campbell”
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ebCeFpQR
iTunes: https://lnkd.in/eb4iFsBN
Amazon: https://lnkd.in/eyMudhqY
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/e_eUvu-z
TikTok: https://lnkd.in/e285-q3K
IG Reel: https://lnkd.in/eRaYmD6V