Frequently Ask Questions - Hospitals
We have put together a few questions that people have asked us. There’s some useful information and you may find the answer to something that’s been on your mind.
If you don’t, get in touch and we can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I find my nearest Nuffield Health hospital?
For the Nuffield Health hospital nearest to you, use our postcode search. Or see our list of hospitals.
2. Do I need private medical insurance to be treated?
No, our hospitals are open to everyone. You don’t need private medical insurance to come to a Nuffield Health hospital – you can pay for any of our treatments yourself.
Call us on 0800 688 699 and we can give you guide prices for any treatment you’re interested in.
3. Do I have to go to my doctor for a referral?
For most procedures, you will need a referral from your doctor. The information your doctor knows about your medical history will be helpful to us. You can have some treatments without a referral, such as cosmetic surgery. If you’re interested in our weight loss surgery programme, you can see us first, and then get a referral from your doctor before you’re pre-assessment.
If there’s a treatment you’re interested in, get in touch with us and we’ll let you know whether you need to go to your doctor for a referral.
4. Can I be treated in the UK if I live overseas?
Yes, we treat many patients from overseas. You may not be able find treatment in your own country, or you may prefer to be treated in the UK. If you would like your treatment in the UK, get in touch with the hospital you’re interested in.
5. Can I book directly with the hospital?
Yes, certainly for appointments and most treatments. However, for most surgical procedures, you will need a referral from your doctor.
To find out if you can book directly with us, or if you would like to book an appointment, call us on 0800 688 699.
6. What options do I have for paying?
You can choose to pay for your own treatment or, if you are covered, you can claim this on your private insurance. We have loan options that may help with the cost of treatments.
You can find out more information on how to pay in our ‘Paying for your treatment’ page.
7. Can I have visitors?
Yes, you can have visitors come to see you. We understand how important the support of family and friends is, so our visiting hours are flexible. Visitors are generally welcome at any time of day, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your treatment and recovery. It is best that people who are ill do not visit you, particularly if they have been vomiting or have diarrhoea.
8. How much will it cost?
Everyone is different. So costs will vary, as does each person’s treatment. We can give you guide prices for procedures before you come in to see us, and after your consultation, we can confirm the exact price of your treatment.
If you would like more information on costs, or would like to make an appointment, call us on 0800 688 699.
9. When can I be treated?
You can come to see us any time that suits you. Call us on 0800 688 699 to make an appointment.
If you’re coming through NHS Choose and Book, get in touch with us on 0800 015 5020.
10. Will I have a private room?
Yes, if you are staying overnight. Our rooms have a telephone and TV, and private bathrooms.
11. Can the NHS pay for my treatment?
Yes, they will for some procedures if you are coming through NHS Choose and Book – this is a scheme to help reduce NHS waiting lists. You can ask your doctor or local NHS Trust for more information.
For more information about NHS Choose and Book, have a look at their website. <link to choose and book>
12. How can I find out more about your consultants?
We work with more than 6,000 experienced consultants, who specialise in a wide range of treatments and procedures. All of them are highly qualified and are committed to giving you the highest standard of care.
Ask your nearest hospital about their consultants, or you can call us on 0800 688 699 for more information.
13. What’s the difference between an outpatient, a day-case and an inpatient?
If you are looking into treatments, these are terms that you will come across:
- Outpatient – a patient who is not a bed patient and does not need to stay overnight. It means you’ll only come in for a short consultation – this may simply be a test or a scan.
- Day-case – a patient who comes in for a more involved procedure than an outpatient. You may need some recovery time but you should be able to go home on the same day.
- Inpatient – a patient who stays in hospital for one or more nights. Also, there may be some assessment or preparation before you come to stay.
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14. How do I raise a concern or make a formal complaint?
We take your satisfaction seriously and we regularly review feedback to make sure your experience is constantly improving. If you do need to raise a concern or make a formal complaint, you can feel free to talk to us. No matter who you talk to, we will take action to resolve your issue.
You can find more information on our process for handling complaints here.
15. I’ve heard that Nuffield Health is a charity – what difference does it make?
We are the UK’s leading health charity. We are independent of government and have no shareholders, so we are free to reinvest any profit we make into improving services for you and your family. Our customers are at the centre of everything we do, and our charity status allows us to put you first.
16. Can I have a chaperone with me while I’m being examined or treated?
We understand that you may be worried or nervous about being examined or treated, so we have nurse chaperones that can be with you, to look after your needs. If you’d like to bring a friend or family member with you, that’s absolutely fine.
17. Are you registered with the Healthcare Commission (HC)?
You can trust in the care you’ll receive at a Nuffield Health hospital.
We are regulated in accordance with the Care Standards Act 2000 and Health and Social Standards Act 2003. And we’re regulated by the Healthcare Commission, which holds regular inspections of our hospitals. They check our quality of treatment and care, hospital personnel, information for patients, safety of premises, facilities and equipment, medical record keeping, and patient satisfaction.
