When Rich, 53, from Seer Green, Buckinghamshire, began having excruciating back and chest pains, he knew that waiting for treatment could affect both his health and his job. Determined to get better as soon as possible, Rich explored his right to choose where he is treated as an NHS patient. This included looking for hospitals with shorter waiting lists than his local hospital. Here we share Rich’s story to help other patients who may be going through a similar experience.
Rich recalls:
"I ended up in A&E late one night in April with intense back and chest pain. After tests, they found it was gallstones. I was discharged the next day with painkillers and was added to the local waiting list. The surgeon who discharged me told me it wasn’t urgent and that I should try managing the condition through a low-fat diet. He did, however, write me a referral letter for surgery elsewhere.”
With several flare-ups in the following days, Rich’s concerns grew:
“I was seriously worried. Every flare-up meant I couldn’t travel, and flying is a huge part of my job both short and long haul. I knew I wouldn’t be able to get travel insurance with my condition, and the risk of another attack abroad was huge, both financially and health-wise. I didn’t have private medical cover and couldn’t afford to wait months on an NHS list either. I felt a bit panicked by the situation knowing my job would be on the line.”
A family member mentioned Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham, a new private hospital accepting NHS patients with no waiting list. Rich contacted the hospital and was offered a consultant appointment within days:
“I called, explained my situation and mentioned the letter from the surgeon. They offered me an appointment just a few days later to see a consultant.”
Tests and treatment at a private hospital
Rich and his wife made the journey to Birmingham:
“My wife drove me to Birmingham. It was an easy 1.5-hour drive, mostly motorway. The hospital was spotless and very welcoming. I had blood and urine tests, saw the consultant, and was told I could have surgery within 2–4 weeks. I was so relieved.
“From my first A&E trip to having the surgery, it was only five weeks – unbelievable. I knew I would’ve waited for over six months for surgery at my local hospital so I didn’t mind the extra miles to travel to a hospital which could treat me sooner.”
Successful gallstone surgery
“The surgery was straightforward. I went up to theatre at 11:30am, was back in my room by 3:30pm, and went home the same day after a meal. My wife drove us back which was a smooth journey until the last stretch into our village where roadworks made it a bit bumpy just as the painkillers were wearing off! But once home, I rested, kept to plain foods, and avoided flying for four weeks as advised.”
Full recovery from gallstone removal
“I had a follow-up four weeks later, got the all-clear, and flew straight to South Africa the next week for work.”
Rich is grateful for the speed and quality of care he received:
“The service was amazing. Honestly, I think if it hadn’t been for the speed I was treated in Birmingham, I would have lost my job. I’ve had private treatment before, and I can honestly say this NHS experience with Practice Plus Group was far superior.
What is NHS patient choice?
More people need to know about NHS patient choice – you don’t have to go to your local hospital if the waiting list is too long. And you could be lucky like me and get NHS treatment in a fantastic private facility!”
Disclaimer
This patient story reflects Rich’s personal experience and is shared to help others understand the options available within the NHS. Individual experiences may vary, and treatment outcomes depend on personal circumstances.
PHIN does not endorse any particular provider or treatment pathway. For clinical advice, always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Our thanks go to Practice Plus Group for allowing us to publish this story.
