Private Healthcare Information Network

18/11/2025

For nearly three decades, Paula battled persistent knee pain after a riding accident left her with a damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Working long hours on her feet eventually wore away the cartilage in her knee completely.

Despite multiple operations, her mobility worsened until her GP referred her for a knee replacement through the NHS. Just three months later, Paula had her surgery and began physiotherapy.

Read Paula's full story in the comments.

04/11/2025

If you’re facing long NHS waits, you might have more options than you think.

When Rich was diagnosed with gallstones, he was told to wait months for surgery. But thanks to NHS patient choice, he had his operation in just 5 weeks at a private hospital, fully funded by the NHS.

1. He got a referral letter from his NHS consultant
2. Found a private hospital that accepts NHS patients
3. Booked a consultant appointment within days
4. Had surgery weeks later

If your local hospital has a long wait, you can choose another provider, including some private hospitals that offer NHS care.

Read Rich’s full story at phin.org.uk

The independent, government-mandated organisation publishing performance and fees information about private consultants and hospitals.

29/10/2025

October is Health Literacy Month, and we’re sharing advice from people who’ve used private healthcare to others considering treatment.

Use the PHIN website to compare private consultants and hospitals before you book: https://phin.org.uk

The independent, government-mandated organisation publishing performance and fees information about private consultants and hospitals.

24/10/2025

We looked at how far people travel for private treatment across the UK.

Swipe through to see what we found ➡️

Most journeys are under 20 miles, but that varies depending on where you live, how old you are, what kind of care you need and your current health.

Find private hospitals by distance, patient satisfaction and more at phin.org.uk

09/10/2025

Why aren’t there any private A&Es in the UK?
Dr Chris Smith-Brown explains the difference between A&E and private urgent care centres, and when you might find yourself in one or the other.

03/10/2025

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re highlighting what PHIN’s data reveals about breast cancer care in the UK.

Most private breast cancer surgeries happen in women aged 50–59, but many are younger than the NHS screening age in England (50–53).

There were over 64,900 private procedures relating to breast cancer last year, across 31,700 episodes.

Early checks matter. A recent BMJ study found that missing the initial breast cancer screening increases mortality risk by 40%.

If you notice changes in your breast, speak to a doctor – don't wait for a letter.

26/09/2025

Around 4 in 10 adults in England live with at least one chronic condition — like diabetes, arthritis or asthma. Here’s why some opt for private care, often alongside NHS services.
If this is something you’re considering, visit phin.org.uk to compare private consultants and hospitals online.

24/09/2025

Greg first noticed something was wrong when he struggled to support his motorcycle with his legs.

“I’ve lived a crazy life, and as the years went on, I started to feel my body wearing away. I knew something was seriously wrong when I nearly dropped my bike because my legs couldn’t hold it.”

After seeking medical advice, Greg was diagnosed with osteoarthritis – a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness due to the breakdown of cartilage.

Read his story on the PHIN website: https://phin.org.uk/news/back-to-adventure-after-knee-realignment-surgery-a-patients-story

18/09/2025

💡 Did you know that PHIN now lists profiles for 12,000+ private consultants, including their initial consultation fees?

PHIN is the only comprehensive directory of private consultants and hospitals, mandated by the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) since 2014.

Search for consultants at phin.org.uk

17/09/2025

❤️‍🩹Today is World Patient Safety Day – a moment to reflect on how we can all contribute to safer care.

At PHIN, we’re helping patients make informed decisions through tools like the Patient Insights Explorer, which includes how safety outcomes vary across different patient groups.

Explore the tool: https://phin.org.uk/data/

This means you can look at results that match your own situation. For example, if you’re in your 60s and paid for your care yourself, you can see how others like you did.

10/09/2025

Paul, a 42-year-old delivery driver from Nottinghamshire, never expected that a few urinary symptoms would lead to a life-saving cancer diagnosis.

Thanks to early detection and robotic prostatectomy surgery, Paul is now cancer-free and back to doing what he loves – driving, golfing, and spending time with his family.

He’s sharing his story to help others recognise the signs and seek help early.

Read Paul’s full journey:
👉 https://www.phin.org.uk/news/life-after-robotic-prostatectomy--a-patients-story

09/09/2025

Facing surgery soon? Knowing what to expect can feel overwhelming.

Our new Patient Insights Explorer shows:
🔸How long people stayed in hospital
🔸If they had problems after treatment
🔸How these results change depending on age, gender, ethnicity, or how you paid for your care

Use our tool to explore outcomes based on people like you: https://phin.org.uk/data/

This means you can look at results that match your own situation. For example, if you’re in your 60s and paid for your care yourself, you can see how others like you did.