Frequently Asked Questions
Q - Is it correct that I can now receive my NHS treatment at an
independent sector hospital?
A - Ramsay Health Care has an agreement with the NHS to provide
certain NHS services including Orthopaedic, General Surgery and
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) operations from a number of their
independent hospitals. Your GP will be able to advise you
further.
Q- Are NHS treatments still free of charge, even if I choose to
have my treatment at a private hospital?
A - Definitely, Ramsay Health Care offer NHS treatment free at
the point of delivery, as would any NHS hospital.
Q - Will my waiting time be reduced if I choose an independent
sector hospital?
A - The agreement with Ramsay Health Care was put in place to
add extra capacity to the NHS and to help reduce waiting times for
patients. Your GP will should be able to tell you which hospital
can provide you with the shortest waiting time when your referral
is being made for treatment.
Q - Can I choose any independent sector hospital?
A - If your preferred hospital offers the treatment you require
then yes, you are free to choose. Your GP will be able to advise
you of your options.
Q - How can I find out more about the hospitals in my
area?
The NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk will provide you with
information regarding the hospitals in your area. For information
regarding NHS treatments at Ramsay Hospitals please click
here.
Alternatively, if you do not have access to the internet you can
use the referral that your GP provides you with and do the
following:
call the Choose and Book Appointments Line on 0845 608 8888 or
textphone 0845 850 22 50 (calls are charged at the local rate and
translation services are available) ask your local GP practice to
compare your preferred hospitals online and print the information
for you.
Q - Will I be able to choose the time and date of
treatment?
A - Your GP may use an electronic booking management system
called ‘Choose and Book’. This system will give you options of
hospitals, dates and times for your appointment, allowing you to
choose to have your treatment to fit in with your other
commitments.
Q - A friend has recommended a hospital to me. Do I have the
option to consider choosing a hospital outside my local area?
A - Yes. NHS patients can choose from a number of hospitals
including NHS hospitals and independent hospitals that are approved
to undertake NHS work e.g. Ramsay Health Care hospitals. This
includes both local hospitals and those further afield, depending
on the treatment you require.
Q - Will I get my own bedroom if I choose an independent
hospital?
A - All Ramsay Health Care hospitals have a number of single
bedded rooms and will make every effort to provide patients with
their own private room. However this cannot be guaranteed in every
case.
Q - Are the surgeons in independent hospitals as qualified as
those in the NHS?
A - All Ramsay Health Care consultants are GMC registered and
are experienced within their specialty. The majority of consultants
working within Ramsay Health Care hospitals also practice in the
NHS.
Q - Will I receive my treatment from the doctor that I have my
initial consultation with?
A - Yes, all NHS services provided by Ramsay Health Care are
consultant led which means that the consultant you see for your
initial appointment will remain with you throughout your
treatment.
Q - Will I be treated differently to private patients if I go
to an independent hospital as an NHS patient?
A – No, regardless of whether you are an NHS patient or a
private patient, your clinical care will be delivered to the same
high standard at any Ramsay Health Care hospital..
Q - What if I don’t want to choose which hospital to
attend?
A - Some patients will always prefer their GP to make the
decision for them. Patient choice means respecting those patients
who choose not to choose! However, it is essential that you, as a
patient, are given the option to choose for yourself should you
wish to do so.
Q - What happens if I can’t decide on a date, time and hospital
there and then?
A - If, for example, you need to check with your family, friends
or work before booking your appointment, you can book your
appointment later over the phone or via the internet.
You and your GP will choose a number of clinically appropriate
hospitals. Your GP will provide you with an Appointment Request for
you to take away with you. This will contain your appointment
reference number, password, details of the chosen services and
information about how to book your appointment by either calling
the ‘Appointments Line’ or via the Internet. Please note, you will
need your appointment reference number and password in order to
book your appointment.
Q - What should I do if I disagree with my GP's
recommendation?
A - When you and your GP agree that you need to see a
specialist, as the patient you will be able to choose where you
wish to go for your treatment from a shortlist of hospitals or
clinics which your GP has selected as clinically appropriate for
you,
Q - What happens if the date or time I want isn't
available?
A - If your preferred date and time is not available you will be
offered alternative dates and times for your consideration.
Q - What happens once my appointment is booked?
A - If your appointment is booked whilst you are with your GP
you will be provided with an appointment confirmation. This
document will include:
the details of the hospital you have chosen; the date and
time of your appointment; and if appropriate, any special
instructions you need to know - such as not taking any food or
water before seeing the consultant.
If you book your appointment via the Internet at www.nhs.uk/healthspace by
selecting ‘Choose and Book’, you may print off an appointment
summary that will include all the above information.
If you book your appointment via the Appointment Line on 0845 60
88 88 8, your appointment will be verbally confirmed with you at
the time of the call. In all cases, this is followed up by a
confirmation letter from the Ramsay Healthcare UK hospital you have
chosen.
Q - How can I confirm, cancel or change my appointment
details?
A - If you want to confirm, cancel or change the date and/or
time of your appointment booked via Choose and Book you should
either: call The Appointments Line on 0845 60 88 88 8; (open
between 7am and 10 pm every day – all calls will be charged at
local rate) log on to www.nhs.uk/healthspace
and select ‘Choose and Book’ (you will be asked to enter your
appointment reference number, password and year of birth).
Q - Will Choose and Book make getting an appointment
faster?
A - Yes. In most cases your first hospital appointment can be
booked via the Choose and Book system whilst you are still at the
GP surgery, this means you will leave with an appointment date and
time to suit you.
Q - What happens if my condition worsens dramatically before I
get to see a specialist?
A - If you are concerned and feel your condition has
deteriorated you should return to your GP.
Q - What if my first language is not English?
A - If English is not your first language, you can request an
interpreter to help you at the time of making your appointment.