Understanding Independent Healthcare

The National Health Service (NHS) is funded from taxation. Every eligible citizen in the UK is entitled to free treatment. The Department of Heath (DoH) decides how to spend the healthcare budget, which in turn is determined by Parliament. Naturally the DoH is constrained by the conflicting interests of limited provision of funds on the one hand and availability, cost and public demand for treatments on the other. Since the inception of the NHS in 1948 demand for treatment has risen along with public expectation that the NHS will deliver a universally high standard of the best available care to everyone all the time.

There has been an explosion in medical knowledge and science and the treatments available in the 21st Century far exceed the wildest imaginings of doctors, patients and politicians back in 1948. In these circumstances some sort of logical rationing policy has to be applied and it is essential that the allocation of resources is discussed openly and transparently.  It is arguable that the National NHS has been hamstrung by a lack of informed public debate, openness and poor political leadership over many years.

The private healthcare system provides opportunities for access to the very best techniques, treatments and care to patients who decide to pay for themselves rather than rely on state funded medical care. Innovation and quality have long been the hallmarks of independent medical practice. Treatments are always delivered by trained specialists who are experts in their field. Private practice remains patient centred - despite truly amazing advancements in medical science the age old standards which ensure personal care, attention to detail, courteous treatment, preservation of dignity and respect for patients at all times have been maintained at the very core of independent practice.

Further information on healthcare choices within the UK can be found on the Doctor Foster website: www.doctorfoster.co.uk

It is recommended that patients receiving private treatment ask for a resume of costs at each stage of their medical management process to avoid any misunderstandings.  We also advise patients to be aware if there is an excess on their insurance policy and to check whether the doctor or hospital that they are seeking treatment from is covered. Furthermore patients should ask whether there is a disparity between the medical fees being charged and the cover available from their policy. If there is a shortfall it is often very small, but if there are significant differences patients should be aware and should be able to choose whether to accept them or not.  

The IDF is proud of its achievements and its legacy, as is the independent medical sector in general. We are determined to continue to serve our patients to the best of our ability. We encourage feedback and comment and have a complaints and compliments system so that feedback may be given.