Bedford Hospital
Prices: £9,000 upwards for hip replacement, cataracts price depends on complexity
Waiting time if you pay: Whenever patient wants
NHS wait: Up to 18 weeks
What does the website say? ‘You don’t need insurance to have access to private healthcare, and our prices are affordable.
‘You can see the consultant you want at a time suited to you and have fast access to a diagnosis, any tests required and the treatment which is right for you.’ One patient testimonial reads: ‘After being cancelled at short notice from the NHS recently, I wanted to thank you all for your help in arranging … to have my operation within a few days.’
Kings College, South London
Prices: £9,850 for a hip replacement, £1,500 for cataracts but consultant fees are extra
Waiting time if you pay: No wait
NHS wait: Just over a year for a hip replacement (average 52 weeks, 4 days)
What does the website say? ‘A dedicated service for patients who wish to have the comfort of their own hotel style room and a more flexible choice of dates for treatment.’
Epsom and St Helier, Surrey
Prices: Up to £11,000 for a hip replacement, up to £1,200 for cataracts
Waiting time if you pay: No waiting time and it depends on patient’s and consultant’s availability
NHS wait: Up to three and a half months
What does the website say? ‘Offers patients the best of both worlds; the independence of private healthcare in a trusted and safe NHS environment.’
Derby Teaching Hospitals
Prices: Up to £12,500 for a hip replacement, up to £5,125 for cataract surgery depending on the type of lens
Waiting time if you pay: 1-2 weeks
NHS wait: Up to 16 weeks
What does the website say? ‘We can quickly treat you for a wide range of procedures … Our procedures are competitively priced and with the knowledge that your money is supporting the NHS we are a great option.’
The Royal Free, North London
Prices: Up to £15,000 for a hip replacement, up to £3,250 for cataracts
Waiting time if you pay: Surgery carried out at mutually convenient time
NHS wait: Up to 23 weeks
What does the website say? ‘Combines the convenience, comfort and personalised attention of a private hospital with the very best state-of-the-art services, technology and professional excellence.’