If you are looking for world-class healthcare, booking an appointment at one of London’s prestigious private clinics could be the way to go. This is because the city has always been home to exceptional hospitals, doctors, and healthcare services.
Bear in mind that the NHS is under strain, with staff shortages and stretched resources. To put it into numbers, they are still able to handle an astonishing 600 million patient interactions every year. This equates to around 1.7 million every single day.
And with that large influx of people, it should come as no surprise that patients now face longer waiting times and shorter appointments. A recent survey found that around 71% of respondents cited long waiting times for GP or hospital appointments as a key reason for NHS dissatisfaction.
If you can relate, then going the private route is a great option. If we look at the stats from the other side of the spectrum, private GP services currently see about an 80% patient satisfaction rate.
Waiting times aside, let us have a quick look at other reasons why private doctors are the go-to option for many Britons.
Why choosing private care could make sense
Booking an appointment with a private GP in London comes with numerous benefits. With around 65% of people saying they choose private healthcare because of the personalised approach, who are we to argue?
But that is a great point to add, if anything. So, let’s start there.
NHS doctors are incredibly dedicated, but with the sheer number of patients they see on a daily basis, it is understandable that appointments can feel rushed. Private GPs, by contrast, generally offer longer appointment slots. They also tend to offer more flexible scheduling.
That extra time means you can calmly talk through your concerns. Your doctor can get to know your situation properly, and together you can build a treatment plan that genuinely fits your needs.
This extended time also leads to a trusting and long-lasting relationship. Not having to repeat your medical history every time actually saves time, stress, and dare we say it, frustration. In fact, a 2023 YouGov survey found that 57% of patients feel it is important to see the same GP regularly. Maybe you are one of them?
Even more advantages of going private
Discreet healthcare services
As if discussing health concerns is not personal enough, right? But doing it in a shared or partially open setting can make it feel even more daunting! This is another really big reason why over half of British adults say they would consider a private GP in the future.
Remember, in general, private practices offer a quiet, fully private room, where you can speak openly without worrying about who might overhear. Meaning, you can speak your heart out and get the treatment you really need, vs trying to sugarcoat due to worrying who might overhear.
Your healthcare needs in one place
One thing London’s private clinics do exceptionally well is convenience. Instead of travelling between departments with referral letters in hand, you can often get everything done in the same location.
We are talking, blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, to full body scans, as many private practices handle these in-house. Plus, some GPs have additional specialisms such as women’s health, sports medicine, minor procedures, or family healthcare.
How to find the perfect private GP for you
Booking private GP appointments can be stressful, because is it the right doctor, and is it the right place? These are questions all of us ask ourselves. So, here are some tips to help lighten that load.
To find the right doctor for you:
- Ask friends or family who have visited private GPs in London for recommendations.
- Check which private GPs are covered by your health insurance.
- Read reviews upon reviews upon reviews, and make sure the private clinic of your choice is indeed reputable and well regarded.
Plus, if you are travelling from outside London, just make sure to research your options well so you can feel confident and taken care of when you arrive. This means, evaluate the test you want to have done: does it require fasting, a blood draw, or something slightly more invasive? This way you can arrange transport if needed.
Full circle: taking charge of your health in London
Choosing a private GP in London is not just about avoiding waiting times; it is about taking control of your healthcare journey. It is about having a doctor who listens, understands, and partners with you to make informed decisions about your wellbeing. It is about convenience, discretion, and confidence that your health is in capable hands.
This means, whether it is getting timely tests, exploring specialist care, or simply having the peace of mind that someone truly knows your medical history, private healthcare offers more than appointments – it offers empowerment. This is food for thought before you book your next GP appointment. Will it be private, or will it be public? The choice is ultimately yours.
