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Cornwall LivingIssue #62

The choice is yours

We take a look at the benefits of private treatment at Duchy Hospital.

When Duchy Hospital opened it was entirely private. All patients paid for their treatment, either with medical insurance or their own funds. But more recently, it has begun to take NHS patients too. Why, then, is it worth paying for your treatment to go to the same hospital?

“It was an urgent consultation at my instigation and I was dealt with in a understanding and very prompt manner which gave me much comfort at a difficult time.”

In essence, paying for your treatment means that you are treated at your convenience rather than to fit in with the NHS. Private patients can choose when they have their treatment, which can make a real difference. For some this simply means being seen as quickly as possible – in some cases being seen by a consultant on the same day as being contacted.

One patient, Mr Peter Fittock, explains the peace of mind that this gave him: “It was an urgent consultation at my instigation and I was dealt with in a understanding and very prompt manner which gave me much comfort at a difficult time.” For others it’s simply about being able to choose a time which fits into their lifestyle. Perhaps you want to be treated in good time to be able to recover from your operation for a special event like a wedding or a holiday. Others find that due to work commitments, the uncertainty of when they will get their appointment or operation causes problems, especially for those who run their own business. Private patients can also choose the consultant they wish to see. NHS patients are not always given a choice of consultant, or they may be treated by a member of a consultant’s team rather than the named consultant. Private healthcare enables choice, convenience and an experience designed around you and your needs. And it’s more affordable that you may think. Duchy Hospital offers fixed cost care for many treatments giving a total price for treatment without any unexpected extras. Interest free finance is also available to spread the cost.

"It was an urgent consultation at my instigation and I was dealt with in a understanding and very prompt manner which gave me much comfort at a difficult time."