Obstacles going private

Mmm … this is very frustrating, and I’m really sorry that you are having to chase things on top of receiving a cancer diagnosis. I’m going to concentrate on the oncologist bit, as I too had chemo first. If I’m honest, the appointment on the 29th sounds reasonable. I was treated super quickly (I was only one in breast clinic during a lockdown) and my diagnosis was about 8 days after scans and biopsy. I was told I would have chemo first, and I spoke to oncologist about 9 days after diagnosis. Next day had PICC line put in, then 5 days later I had first dose. Throughout this period  there are various processes though, as oncologist can’t prescribe until you have signed consent forms for example. You might sign those on 29th, perhaps. 
I don’t think I am being much help …. But do see the oncologist next week. Xx

It’s not so much about the timing I will be lucky to get private treatment significantly sooner now maybe few days earlier at best. The NHS are stretched to breakpoint. When I was getting my CT Scan overheard them talking that it was pathetic they had no radiologist that day. I think I have only given this appointment next week as almost stamping and screaming. Why won’t they just let me go and free up space for someone else who is unfortunately no access to private. 

Hi there, I started out NHS but needed additional biopsies and was told it was a 3 week wait then the same for results so I said I wanted to do private through my work insurance. I literally has the biopsy the next day and the results within a week. I have to say that my consultant does both NHS and private so I simply asked him and it was sorted. I’m sorry to hear you are having a nightmare with this . I have finished active treatment but am on hormone therapy for 10 years, private and NHS worked together with me. Mastectomy and chemo private and radiotherapy nhs. Good luck and I would say persevere if you want private. X

Sorry you're feeling so frustrated. I was very lucky with timescales with NHS but it was still 7 weeks from finding the lump to starting chemo as there are so many diagnostic tests to do.

I would be a little wary of going private for anything other than routine operations and treatment as they don't have the same tools or equipment as NHS. Cancer treatment is one of the very well protected services in the NHS and as you have said yourself, you're not going to be seen any quicker.

I had my operation during one of the lockdowns and as covid numbers were quite high, cancer operations were being done in private hospitals to make sure the service kept up. My surgeon and nurse were making faces at this and when I asked why they said that private hospitals are not geared up to do complicated operations so it was a pain being there. They also couldn't insert the magseed and they only just got it organised to do the radioactive dye at the private hospital before my op. They all hated the smaller private hospital and the fact that treatment had to be split between hospitals anyway, which is worse for the patient.

I have used my private medical insurance in the past (when I had it!) for routine things and I did get seen quicker as the NHS didn't prioritise those things.

But cancer is top of the list and their Multi-Disciplinary Teams are really fantastic at ensuring you get all the right tests and treatment for you, and everyone is up to speed with your individual case. I was amazed by this whenever I saw anyone - and sometimes I saw different oncologists or surgeons and they all knew about me and had spoken together and made decisions together about my case. It was reassuring to know so many people had had input to my treatment plan. 

If you need to split between NHS and private anyway as private doesn't have all the diagnostic tools, I would be worried they missed something later, or I didn't get everything I needed, or things were delayed as the NHS team aren't dealing with your case the whole time and info has to be exchanged between the two.

I'm sure people do have success going privately for cancer treatment, but it feels like you would get a disjointed experience and need to have NHS for some of it anyway and I think that would cause more delays as you would not be one of the NHS patients that everyone knew about, but someone being referred from private. From what you are saying it sounds like all the staff, both NHS and private, are saying that to you.

The waiting is hard, but things will move soon and suddenly you'll be getting your treatment.

Hi. I don’t know why the NHS are putting obstacles in your way but if I were you I would persevere and push to be treated privately. You may not get your treatment any more quickly and the actual treatment you receive will probably be exactly the same as with the NHS. However, I found a huge benefit in receiving chemo in a small unit where all the staff knew all the patients well and  had time to discuss any concerns, worries etc. Also I was prescribed the most effective drugs to deal with potential side effects immediately rather than only having access to these if the other drugs didn’t work. I had surgery first and as there was a delay with my post-op results (during covid!!)  my surgeon spoke directly to my oncologist to ensure that this delay didn’t impact on my chemo starting quickly. 
I did not experience any problems with the private hospital not being equipped to deal with everything. It is the case that generally they do not have emergency facilities but that would apply to any op done privately. 
As regards the point about sone things still needing to do done via the NHS, I have my 6 monthly bisphosphate infusions in my local NHS unit as most medical insurance will only cover these when given with chemo. I have had no problems with this arrangement  but perhaps I have just been lucky. There was an issue with one of the readings from my blood test before my last infusion. The infusion went ahead but I had to have a repeat blood test a couple of weeks later. I had the test done by the NHS but my oncologist arranged to get the result the same day and arranged a private telephone consultation to discuss with me. Fortunately all ok but if any scans had been needed these would have been dealt with privately. So the mix and match can and does work. 
Sorry to go on at length but I just wanted to point out that it is not the actual initial treatment or wait time that should be considered if you are in a very fortunate position to be able to consider private treatment. I do not think my actual outcome will be any different but there are many additional benefits, not least being the ability to easily the specialists at any time with any queries whatsoever. 
Goid luck with your treatment 

Thanks for telling me about your positive experience being treated privately. I Had an appointment today with a different nhs consultant regarding referral. The difference between him and my consultant were like chalk and cheese. he was very concerned about me funding it initially but when I reiterated I had insurance he was yeah go for it use every tool at your disposable. Put a call in and left detailed voice mail for secretary of my chosen consultant and will have written referral sent through to them and both me. I think having consultant who you are happy would give a more positive experience. I hope I like the new private one (you can’t pay for bedside manner). Also what you say about possibly smaller unit and staff having more time with you would be benifical for me personally as I’m naturally a person wants to know all the ins and outs and understand the processes etc. 

will keep you all updated

ps. Dr did say not to cancel nhs oncologist appointment till I’ve seen the whites of the private’s eyes. And very right he is. 

Glad you had a more positive experience, and also great to hear the good blended experience of PatsyP2 to help you with the decision.

I think I forget how lucky I was with my NHS treatment - everything very quick, I knew exactly what was coming up next, when I would get results, all the nurses in the chemo unit knew me and we had good chats (they still remember me when I go in for my zoledronic acid infusions every 6 months).

I guess a lot will depend on your NHS area. I could not fault my NHS experience in any way, I was treated extremely well at all times and am so grateful for living in an area with such good service.

I can understand how it would feel very different if you are hitting obstacles and don't get a good feeling from the people you are dealing with.

Hopefully things are moving for you now.

Hi,

I don't know whether you have found a solution yet. I was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ after mammograms, ultrasound and biopsy via the national NHS breast screening programme but elected to have all treatment privately with a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. I am covered by my husband's plan.

The most important decision for me was identifying the surgeon to perform my lumpectomy. This is because the NICE guidelines require both treatment in NHS and privately to be within a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) so both treatment paths are equal in that regard. Therefore in my case, in choosing a surgeon, the oncologist, plastic surgeon etc. were from those within the same MDT as the surgeon. I tend to find that a good professional will work with other good professionals hence why picking a surgeon I would be happy with was so important. My treatment has not involved my GP as my referral was by the NHS breast screening service. I had already identified my surgeons so when I went back for my results, I had the name of 2 breast surgeons. I picked one after talking to the NHS consultant at the appointment and my file was with the surgeon before the end of that day.

My recommendation when choosing private, the first place to start is looking at Doctify, a website where doctors review and recommend other doctors. I wanted a female surgeon so this was one of the major factors for me. My surgeon works in both the NHS and privately so I know that if needs be, I could transfer to the NHS under her. A tip a consultant can self refer a private patient to their NHS clinic I also check the surgeon against BUPA as they publish which treatment codes performed for a doctor has been paid by them, so you know how often they perform your procedure.

As for private hospitals not having all the facilities of the NHS. . It is true that some private hospitals do not have all the bells and whistles, so for that reason I did not want to be treated in my nearest private hospital but went to London as I live in the Home Counties and because of my other pre-existing health conditions, I need a high dependency unit after surgery. I realise that may not be possible for all, but I would look for NHS hospitals with a private wing as my next stop. Therefore understanding where a doctor/surgeon has privileges is an important consideration.

For my radiotherapy, there are more choices privately which I was unaware of. My oncologist uses a number of facilities but I attended Genesis Care a private oncology service which offers chemo, radiotherapy and complimentary services in exercise medicine, acupuncture and reflexology. They also offered a taxi service during treatment, so they collected me from home to my treatment and returned me home at the end. This was not offered by another private radiology provider. Genesis is an Australian company and has 14 sites across the UK and 400 globally. They have some of the latest machines so for example, I did not have dots tattooed for radiotherapy treatment. I was also able to have ultra hypofractionated radiotherapy, so 5 treatments in 1 week instead of 15 over 3 weeks. My point is that private can work and is often quicker but you need to understand how to use it, for it to be effective. Do not be put off by your experience so far but you do need to firm that you are in the driving seat because as an insured patient, you are high value customer. I wish you all the best.