Private Healthcare Information Network

09/01/2026

Private healthcare has a longer story than you might think. This quick video traces the milestones and what they mean today.

To learn more about how private healthcare works, visit phin.org.uk

08/01/2026

Carpal tunnel began to shape Humphrey’s nights and his everyday independence. Sleep was interrupted, routine activities felt harder, and he felt he had little support from his GP. He decided to explore private care in Somerset.

A £95 consultation gave him clear explanations and time to ask questions. He chose surgery, and a cancellation meant an earlier date than expected. The experience felt calm and efficient. Stitches were removed at his GP after 10 days, and recovery was quick. Movement returned, confidence returned, and he went back to the gym.

Humphrey’s journey shows how information, choice and timely treatment can change life after symptoms have taken hold.

Read more patient stories at phin.org.uk

07/01/2026

It's common at this time of year to think more about your health and to take steps to improve it.

If you're considering private treatment or tests, PHIN provides clear, independent data on costs and patient outcomes so you can plan ahead with confidence.

www.phin.org.uk

17/12/2025

GP and health influencer Dr Aziz Sesay is campaigning to stop people thinking words for parts of women's bodies are rude. Using the correct terms can make a real difference and ensure the right result.

She's released a song to help spread her message. Why not give it a listen and help her get to no.1 this Christmas.

How you can support until 18 December 2025:

• Stream or download the track (downloads count most)
• Share the link with your networks
• Use the song in Reels, Stories or TikToks
• Join the hashtag
• Repost campaign content from

Search: “They Are Not Bad Words – Dr. Aziza Sesay & Tonia Daley Campbell”
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ebCeFpQR
iTunes: https://lnkd.in/eb4iFsBN
Amazon: https://lnkd.in/eyMudhqY
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/e_eUvu-z
TikTok: https://lnkd.in/e285-q3K
IG Reel: https://lnkd.in/eRaYmD6V

12/12/2025

Chris was told at 29 he had osteoarthritis – wear and tear from years of sport. When voluntary redundancy came up, he decided it was the right time to use his private medical insurance.

The hospital arranged all pre‑op tests in one visit – even spotting high blood pressure and liaising with his GP the same day. Surgery under spinal anaesthetic felt unusual, but the team kept him completely at ease.

Recovery exceeded expectations: walking to the shops without crutches within three days, and back to golf in three weeks.

Read Chris's full story in the link in the comments.

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

28/11/2025

This Men’s Health Awareness Month, we’re focusing on prostate diagnosis and treatment. Awareness means earlier checks, better outcomes, and more lives changed.

If you or someone you care about is facing prostate removal, ultrasound, or biopsy, it’s okay to feel scared. These procedures can feel emotional and intimidating. Not knowing what comes next can make it feel worse.

We’ve just published two new patient guides to help you understand what the processes involve, what happens on the day, and what to expect in the weeks afterwards.

We hope our guides help you walk into your appointment feeling steadier and better-informed.

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.