Referral to private hospital / Consultant

[KingscoteStaff]

DM has recently developed a rectal prolapse - about the size of an egg - that is causing her incontinence problems and a lot of pain when sitting and walking.

Her GP says it will take at least 3 months for a preliminary NHS appointment and has written her a referral letter for private care.

But where do we go from here? She doesn't have health insurance and we have never used private care. How do we find which colo-rectal surgeon to approach? Do we just phone them up? Is there some sort of Trip Advisor or Which Private Surgeon? to use?

It is stopping her going out and exercising, which is only going to cause more problems, so I'm keen to help her sort it out ASAP.

Any advice would be super welcome.

If you will be self paying, then have a look at the website for your local private hospitals, and their colo rectal surgeons will be listed on there with their areas of interest then you can just phone the hospital to make an appointment with the one you choose.
Some surgeons will have their own websites, so you can search 'rectal prolapse surgeon <your area>' and see what comes up, then they will say where they see patients

It might be worth cross referencing the surgeons at the private options with those at local nhs hospital. It may be possible to have an initial consultation but be treated on nhs if they work at both.

DH is suggesting calling Bupa or Nuffield (even though she isn't a member) and asking them for advice.

I'm guessing any surgeon working for the Cromwell or Edward VII is going to be competent...

I've been through this process for my son. I just looked at the websites of the local Bupa/Nuffield/Spire hospitals and phoned up to book an appointment.

For other people who may be reading this: Benenden (there may be others) offers discretionary health insurance, ie they will pay out if the NHS waiting list is long, but you are expected to try NHS first. Ideal for this sort of situation. Cheaper than full medical insurance, especially as you get older.

Which area are you in OP? You need a pelvic floor specialist . I’m happy to have a Quick Look for you if you tell us the area

Are you certain that it is a referral for self-paying? Occasionally the NHS refers to private care and funds it if they don't have the capacity. That was done for me a few for gynaecological issues.

Check that with your mother's GP. Ask if it can be done.

Look on website of your nearest private hospital (it might be one of the Spire, Nuffield or Bupa ones) to see which specialisms they cover. Not all hospitals have all specialisms eg paediatrics and cancer treatment aren't done at the one nearest me.

That should give you a list of the consultants they have for that specialism. You can cross-reference with NHS to check they work in both - they have to be GMC registered to work in this country - and some will have their own website detailing their work.

Then ring the number given on the private hospital's website for further information, making an appointment or costs.

I was able to have blood tests done on the NHS, then took a print out to the private appointment which saved having to pay for private blood tests.

You can look at their website, the consultants will have their own page showing their speciality, experience, training and what surgery the offer, you just ring them and ask if they take self referrals, some don't in which case you'd need to get the GP to refer. You then make an appointment, go for the initial consult about £250 on average and then book the surgery. Some people prefer to go private within an NHS hospital as the facilities for any emergency or complications are better, you might find that the Cromwell or Edward consultants also work in the private NHS wards.

Thank you so much, - she’s in SE London. Kings College is her nearest hospital.

It's the wrong side of London for you but maybe check if he is in hospitals near you but I saw Michael Jarrett and thought he was absolutely fabulous

If you look at TopDoctors in SE London it lists several private doctors specialising in rectal prolapse, the nearest looks like London Bridge hospital but I'm sure King's, Guys, St Thomas, pruh will have private patients too