Frequently Asked Questions
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.
How do I find my nearest Nuffield Health hospital?
For the Nuffield Health hospital nearest to you, use our postcode search
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.
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, then get a referral from your doctor before your 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.
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.
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.
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.
To find out more information on how to pay follow the links below:
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.
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.
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 50 20.
Will I have a private room?
Yes, if you are staying overnight. Our rooms have a telephone and TV, and private bathrooms.
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.
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.
What’s the difference between an outpatient, a daycase 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.
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.
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.
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 who 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.
Are your healthcare facilities registered with the appropriate authority?
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All our hospitals and health screening facilities in England are registered with the Healthcare Commission under the Care Standards Act 2000, amended by the Health & Social Care Act 2003 and comply with the Private & Voluntary Health Care (England) Regulations 2001.
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Our hospital in Glasgow Scotland is registered with the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care.
Our hospitals and facilities are subject to periodic inspection by the Commission(s) including un-announced visits and the outcomes of these inspections are published on the Commission(s) website.
Fitness & Wellbeing Centre's Questions
How do I choose a Fitness & Wellbeing Centre?
We have 50 Fitness & Wellbeing Centres nationwide. Find your nearest centre by using our interactive map here: www.nuffieldhealth.com/fitness-and-wellbeing-map and then enter your postcode.
How do I get started?
Once you’ve selected a Fitness & Wellbeing Centre you can contact the centre directly to find out more about it. If you want to visit the Centre you can also fill in a web enquiry form on the Centre page and a member of the team will then be in touch.
Can I use more than one of your Fitness & Wellbeing Centres?
Yes, you can choose a Connections programme if you would like to use more than one centre. Just ask a team member about it when you contact the centre.
How much does it cost to join and how can I pay?
It depends on which centre you join, so please ask when you contact the them. There is an initial Bank and Admin fee for the majority of programmes, along with a monthly subscription paid by direct debit.
Tests and Scans Questions
How many test and scan facilities do you have in the UK?
Nuffield Health has Radiology departments in all of its hospitals across the UK.
Do you currently provide test and scan services to the NHS?
Nuffield Health has provided a range of healthcare services to the NHS for the past 50 years, including tests and scans. We currently contract directly with PCTs (Primary Care Trusts), GPs and acute Trusts to provide a range of diagnostic tests and scans.
Where will my scans be read and reported on?
Nuffield Health currently works with Radiologists and Pathologists throughout the UK. These are all UK-based Consultants with considerable expertise.
What diagnostic scanning can you offer at your locations?
We can offer MRI, CT, X-ray, breast screening (mammography), ultrasound and bone density scanning (DEXA), as well as allergy testing at some locations
Are you making any investment in test and scanning equipment?
Nuffield Health is investing £50 million between 2007 and 2009. £10 million of this investment will cover IT improvements in Radiology and Pathology. We will be spending £40 million on new technology in Radiology and Pathology.
Do you provide mobile tests and scans?
Nuffield Health has its own fleet of mobile service units. This includes MRI, CT and digital breast screening (mammography) units that can be attached to our hospitals or sites belonging to the NHS and other customer groups. These units allow test and scanning facilities to be extended into new areas near you. We’re constantly improving our units, and will introduce mobile ultrasound services in the near future.
Can I pay for my own test or scan?
Yes you can. We aim to make high quality tests and scans affordable for everyone, including people who wish to pay for their own treatment. Your price will include the cost of the test or scan and the report itself. Reporting will be provided by some of the UK's most qualified Radiologists and Pathologists
