Private Healthcare Information Network

15/06/2026

Therapy dog visits are growing across both NHS and private hospitals.

According to Pets As Therapy, 386 NHS sites already offer them, supported by over 1,200 volunteers.

In private hospitals, 23 have visits in place, while 19 are still waiting for volunteers.

Read more about dogs in healthcare at phin.org.uk

12/06/2026

We don't recommend any specific private medical insurers, because the right policy depends on what matters most to you (like cost, flexibility, hospital choice or additional benefits). But knowing what to look for can make comparing policies much simpler.

We’ve broken down the key questions to ask so you can feel more confident choosing a policy that’s right for you.

You can find our new comprehensive guide to private medical insurance on our website: www.phin.org.uk

08/06/2026

Private hospitals don't have A&E departments in the same way that NHS hospitals do. A small number of private hospitals do have onsite intensive care units in case something goes wrong during a procedure. These are often smaller and less well-resourced than an NHS A&E department, so it’s important to ask what the arrangements are if something does go wrong.

Some private hospitals also have urgent care centres where you can seek treatment instead of going to an NHS walk-in centre. But urgent care centres don't treat life-threatening conditions.

In this video, Michael explains what happens when complications occur during a private operation.

For more information on what to expect from private healthcare, visit phin.org.uk

28/05/2026

Today is Thursday, which might not feel especially significant. But if you are in a private hospital today, you are more likely to have company.

Our data shows that Thursday is consistently the busiest day for private hospital admissions. Activity usually builds from Monday, peaks in the middle of the week, and then drops off towards the weekend.

The busiest day depends on the type of treatment:
- People staying overnight (inpatients) most often arrive on Tuesday
- Operations for people going home on the same day (day cases) are most common on Thursday

This is due to how hospitals organise care. Patients staying overnight are often admitted earlier in the week so that recovery, tests and discharge planning can happen on the following weekdays. Same-day procedures are easier to schedule later, once the week is fully up and running.

For most people, these patterns do not affect the quality of care they receive. But they can shape what a hospital feels like.

If you go into hospital between Tuesday and Thursday, it is likely to be busier, with more patients coming and going. The benefit is that the full range of planned services is usually available. Mondays and Fridays are often a little quieter. At weekends, there are fewer planned procedures, depending on the type of treatment.

You may also notice that appointment options are more limited outside the middle of the week. This is because hospitals concentrate most planned care on the days when services are fully in place.

Every patient’s situation is different, and hospitals will still take individual needs and timing into account when arranging care.

But if you are offered a midweek appointment, there is usually a practical reason behind it.

26/05/2026

Many of us will have a growth or bump on our skin. But what is a normal part of aging, and what is something we need to get checked out?

It's not uncommon to have spots, moles, warts, skin tags and even patches of psoriasis. These may appear as isolated growths or part of a cluster or rash somewhere on your skin. Often these can be perfectly harmless, but if you are worried about them, or if they may be a sign of skin cancer you should seek advice.

Skin Lesion Removal is one of the most popular procedures to 'go private' for - especially as it's not usually available on the NHS unless its cancer related - so we've put together a guide to help you. It includes all the key points you may need to consider including what a skin lesion is, how and why they can be removed and the costs and fees involved in private treatment.

Read it at https://www.phin.org.uk/help/skin-lesion-removal-and-biopsies

21/05/2026

There are excellent consultants both on and off Harley Street. What really matters is finding someone with the right experience for your condition, in the right place, with results and feedback you feel happy with.

Taking a bit of time to look into these things can help you see the bigger picture, not just the address.

PHIN shares independent information about private consultants and hospitals. It can help you explore your options and feel more confident in your choice.

You can compare private hospitals and consultants at
www.phin.org.uk

15/05/2026

Why do so many private healthcare costs vary? Caroline explains what may or may not be included in the prices you see online.

12/05/2026

Thinking about travelling to the UK for private healthcare?

Our guide for international patients explains how to access care, what emergency treatment is available, and what to expect around visas, travel, and costs. It also shows how PHIN information can help you understand your options and find suitable hospitals.

A guide for overseas visitors and international patients seeking treatment in the UK, including visas, costs, emergency care and using PHIN data.

28/04/2026

Our data shows a 50% rise in private bowel cancer admissions among people under 50 in 2021.

We’re also seeing more demand for tests to diagnose bowel cancer, like colonoscopies.

You can read the full findings at phin.org.uk

21/04/2026

When your child needs medical treatment, it can be a frightening and emotional time. Alongside worrying about their health, you may also find yourself trying to understand your options, ask the right questions and make decisions under pressure.

Some families consider private healthcare as part of that process. If you do, there are a few important things it can help to know. Not all treatments are suitable for children, and for some conditions, especially those that need ongoing or complex care, NHS treatment may be the best option. This is not about quality, but about long-term support, specialist networks and being treated closer to home.

If you are looking at private care, it is worth taking time to compare both consultants and hospitals. This includes looking at their experience with children, how often they carry out similar procedures, whether the hospital has child-friendly facilities and trained staff, and what support is available for the wider family. Not all private hospitals can admit children, and many do not have intensive or critical care units, so it is important to understand what would happen if complications arose.

Costs can also vary and may increase if further treatment is needed, so it is important to ask for clear information upfront and check what is included, whether you are paying yourself or using insurance. You always have the right to ask questions, seek a second opinion, and take time to decide what feels right for your child and your family.

We have worked with Great Ormond Street Hospital to develop guidance for parents that brings all of this together in one place: https://www.phin.org.uk/help/thinking-about-private-health-treatment-for-your-child--what-you-should-know