Latest news with #PatientChoice
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Good Morning Britain's Dr Hilary Jones updates fans on hospital stay as he admits he's 'delighted'
TV doctor Dr Hilary Jones is recovering after undergoing a hip replacement operation at a private hospital - and is encouraging others to travel hundreds of miles if it means avoiding lengthy NHS waiting lists ITV's Dr Hilary Jones has been recuperating in hospital after journeying 180 miles to receive treatment - all to sidestep a lengthy waiting list. The 72-year-old telly doctor is urging others to also travel hundreds of miles, if necessary, to avoid enduring pain while waiting for a local facility to provide treatment. Dr Hilary, who has previously discussed his need for a hip replacement, aims to raise awareness that private medical facilities can be accessed by NHS patients at no cost to receive treatment more promptly. By taking advantage of this lesser-known service, it could potentially alleviate some of the pressure on NHS hospitals. The star - known for his appearances on ITV shows such as Lorraine and Good Morning Britain - is shining a light on NHS Patient Choice, which he used to find a hospital with virtually no waiting list for treatment. Patient Choice is an NHS service that allows individuals to search for private facilities, hospitals and other providers they can access. Private hospitals can even be accessed as long as they offer the same service as the NHS - with patients granted access without being charged for it. Dr Hilary, who represents Practice Plus Group, opted to utilise a new hospital in Birmingham for his treatment, enabling him to receive care more quickly. As reported by the Express, the TV personality shared: "It was 180 miles from my home to Birmingham, but as it's a new hospital and it's a private hospital that treats NHS patients, they could get me in very quickly just with a referral from my GP," reports the Mirror. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat for faster, quality care and highly recommend it. Patient Choice gives people real power - they just need to know it's there. The NHS App is going to be developed further to make this easier, and you can speak to your GP about your choices. You can choose to be referred to a private hospital at the outset, or you can switch hospitals like I did if you're facing delays locally. "It's free for the patient and costs the NHS no more than if that same patient had their op at an NHS hospital. For people like me, who are lucky enough to be mobile despite needing an operation, it makes complete sense to find a hospital that can do your operation sooner so you can get on the road to recovery sooner. "People don't want to be on a waiting list. They want to get on with their lives. Every single person that looked after me was amazing and couldn't have done any more. I am delighted with the result so far." His decision to use the facility follows a survey commissioned by Practice Plus Group and conducted by OnePoll. The survey asked 1,000 adults experiencing chronic discomforts, including those seeking surgery, about their preferences. The findings indicated that most would be willing to travel an average of 60 miles for prompt treatment within three to four weeks, or 49 miles if the wait was six to eight weeks. In fact, 10% disclosed they'd gladly journey over 200 miles to secure an NHS procedure within a month. In the previous year, Dr Hilary shared insights into his own surgical experience and emphasised that the public had alternatives for quicker treatment. Reflecting on his hip replacement, he stated via the Practice Plus Group website: "I know from my own hip replacement surgery that these 'routine' and 'non-urgent' operations are truly life-changing. Living with pain and not being able to do the things you love is exhausting and debilitating." Moreover, he noted: "Fast access to surgery, if this is what you need, will help you re-gain your mobility, your fitness and quality of life. It's no surprise therefore that going private has become more and more common since the pandemic and is no longer considered just for the rich. But many people are unaware they can also go to a private hospital as an NHS patient, free of charge, and often sooner than waiting for NHS hospitals." He went on to say: "Under the NHS constitution you have a legal right to choose which hospital to have your NHS treatment in, and this often includes private hospitals. If your GP, physio or other healthcare professional says they're going to refer you to a consultant at a hospital in Birmingham, ask for a list of options so you can compare waiting lists and locations. "You also have a right to switch from one hospital waiting list to another if you've been waiting for more than 18 weeks for surgery and can travel out of your area. My advice is always to discuss your options with your GP to help you get back to your best as soon as possible."
Edinburgh Live
3 days ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
ITV's Dr Hilary Jones pictured in hospital bed after huge op as he gives top tip
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info ITV's Dr Hilary Jones has been recuperating in hospital after journeying 180 miles to receive treatment, thereby bypassing a lengthy waiting list. The 72-year-old television medic is urging others to consider travelling significant distances if it means avoiding prolonged discomfort while awaiting local treatment availability. Dr Hilary, who has previously spoken about his need for a hip replacement, aims to raise awareness that NHS patients can access private medical facilities free of charge to expedite their treatment. This lesser-known service could potentially alleviate pressure on NHS hospitals. The celebrity doctor, known for his appearances on ITV shows such as Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, is drawing attention to NHS Patient Choice, which he used to locate a hospital with minimal waiting times. Patient Choice is an NHS service allowing individuals to search for accessible private facilities, hospitals and other providers. Private hospitals can be accessed provided they offer the same services as the NHS, with patients granted entry without incurring any charges. TV personality Dr Hilary utilised a new hospital in Birmingham, courtesy of Practice Plus Group, for expedited treatment. Speaking to the Express about his decision, the TV doctor said: "It was 180 miles from my home to Birmingham, but as it's a new hospital and it's a private hospital that treats NHS patients, they could get me in very quickly just with a referral from my GP," reports the Mirror. He expressed his satisfaction with the experience by saying, "I'd do it again in a heartbeat for faster, quality care and highly recommend it. Patient Choice gives people real power - they just need to know it's there. The NHS App is going to be developed further to make this easier, and you can speak to your GP about your choices. You can choose to be referred to a private hospital at the outset, or you can switch hospitals like I did if you're facing delays locally." Moreover, he pointed out the financial benefits: "It's free for the patient and costs the NHS no more than if that same patient had their op at an NHS hospital. For people like me, who are lucky enough to be mobile despite needing an operation, it makes complete sense to find a hospital that can do your operation sooner so you can get on the road to recovery sooner." Dr Hilary also touched upon the common desire to avoid long waiting lists, adding, "People don't want to be on a waiting list. They want to get on with their lives. Every single person that looked after me was amazing and couldn't have done any more. I am delighted with the result so far." His turn to the clinic was influenced by a study from Practice Plus Group, which enlisted OnePoll to canvas the views of 1,000 adults troubled by persistent maladies and those seeking surgical relief. The survey uncovered that most are ready to journey an average of 60 miles for treatment within three to four weeks, or trek 49 miles if the wait is between six and eight weeks. Intriguingly, 10% expressed they'd venture over 200 miles if it meant snagging an NHS operation slot within a month. In the previous year, Dr Hilary divulged insights from his own experience with surgery, simultaneously drawing attention to an expedited avenue for the public to access similar medical care. He articulated through a statement on the Practice Plus Group's website, "I know from my own hip replacement surgery that these 'routine' and 'non-urgent' operations are truly life-changing. Living with pain and not being able to do the things you love is exhausting and debilitating." He added, "Fast access to surgery, if this is what you need, will help you re-gain your mobility, your fitness and quality of life. It's no surprise therefore that going private has become more and more common since the pandemic and is no longer considered just for the rich. But many people are unaware they can also go to a private hospital as an NHS patient, free of charge, and often sooner than waiting for NHS hospitals." He went on to say: "Under the NHS constitution you have a legal right to choose which hospital to have your NHS treatment in, and this often includes private hospitals. If your GP, physio or other healthcare professional says they're going to refer you to a consultant at a hospital in Birmingham, ask for a list of options so you can compare waiting lists and locations. "You also have a right to switch from one hospital waiting list to another if you've been waiting for more than 18 weeks for surgery and can travel out of your area. My advice is always to discuss your options with your GP to help you get back to your best as soon as possible."
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
GMB's Dr Hilary Jones says 'I'd do it again in a heartbeat' as he updates fans on hospital stay
GMB's Dr Hilary Jones says 'I'd do it again in a heartbeat' as he updates fans on hospital stay Dr Hilary Jones shared a picture of himself in a hospital bed as he urged people to use private hospitals in order to avoid huge waiting lists for surgery ITV's Dr Hilary Jones has been recuperating in hospital after journeying 180 miles to receive treatment, thereby bypassing a lengthy waiting list. The 72-year-old television medic is urging others to also consider travelling significant distances if it means avoiding prolonged discomfort while awaiting treatment at a local facility. Dr Hilary, who has previously spoken about his need for a hip replacement, aims to raise awareness that private medical facilities can be utilised by NHS patients free of charge, potentially expediting their treatment. This lesser-known service could, in turn, alleviate some of the pressure on NHS hospitals. The celebrity doctor, known for his appearances on ITV shows such as Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, is highlighting NHS Patient Choice, which he used to locate a hospital with virtually no waiting list for treatment. Patient Choice is an NHS service that allows individuals to search for private facilities, hospitals, and other providers they can access. As long as private hospitals offer the same services as the NHS, patients can access them without incurring any charges. Dr Hilary Jones travelled hundreds of miles to avoid a long NHS waiting list (Image: Simon Stacpoole/PinPep / SWNS ) Dr Hilary, acting as a spokesperson for Practice Plus Group, took advantage of a new hospital in Birmingham to receive rapid treatment. Discussing his experience, the television personality commented, as reported by the Express: "It was 180 miles from my home to Birmingham, but as it's a new hospital and it's a private hospital that treats NHS patients, they could get me in very quickly just with a referral from my GP," reports the Mirror. Article continues below "I'd do it again in a heartbeat for faster, quality care and highly recommend it. Patient Choice gives people real power - they just need to know it's there. The NHS App is going to be developed further to make this easier, and you can speak to your GP about your choices. You can choose to be referred to a private hospital at the outset, or you can switch hospitals like I did if you're facing delays locally. "It's free for the patient and costs the NHS no more than if that same patient had their op at an NHS hospital. For people like me, who are lucky enough to be mobile despite needing an operation, it makes complete sense to find a hospital that can do your operation sooner so you can get on the road to recovery sooner. "People don't want to be on a waiting list. They want to get on with their lives. Every single person that looked after me was amazing and couldn't have done any more. I am delighted with the result so far." His decision to utilise the facility followed a commission by Practice Plus Group for OnePoll to survey 1,000 adults experiencing chronic discomfort, some seeking surgical remedies. The TV star avoided a long waiting list to receive a hip replacement (Image: Simon Stacpoole/PinPep / SWNS ) The study indicated that most would be willing to travel an average distance of 60 miles for treatment if it were available within three to four weeks, or 49 miles for a waiting period of six to eight weeks. Moreover, 10% of respondents stated they would be content to travel in excess of 200 miles if they could secure an NHS surgery within a month. Last year, Dr Hilary Jones discussed the impact of his own operation and emphasised the availability of expedited treatment options for the public. His statement on the Practice Plus Group's website conveyed: "I know from my own hip replacement surgery that these 'routine' and 'non-urgent' operations are truly life-changing. Living with pain and not being able to do the things you love is exhausting and debilitating. "Fast access to surgery, if this is what you need, will help you re-gain your mobility, your fitness and quality of life. It's no surprise therefore that going private has become more and more common since the pandemic and is no longer considered just for the rich. But many people are unaware they can also go to a private hospital as an NHS patient, free of charge, and often sooner than waiting for NHS hospitals." Dr Hilary has shared how other people can also get treated faster by utilising the NHS Patient Choice service (Image: Simon Stacpoole/PinPep / SWNS ) Article continues below He went on to say: "Under the NHS constitution you have a legal right to choose which hospital to have your NHS treatment in, and this often includes private hospitals. If your GP, physio or other healthcare professional says they're going to refer you to a consultant at a hospital in Birmingham, ask for a list of options so you can compare waiting lists and locations. "You also have a right to switch from one hospital waiting list to another if you've been waiting for more than 18 weeks for surgery and can travel out of your area. My advice is always to discuss your options with your GP to help you get back to your best as soon as possible." Good Morning Britain is on ITV1 weekdays at 6am and on ITVX
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Dr Hilary seen in hospital bed after huge op as he gives tips on going private
TV's Dr Hilary Jones is highlighting a little known fact about NHS Patient Choice which can help others find appointments for surgeries and treatments for free and without a long waiting list ITV star Dr Hilary Jones has been recovering in hospital after travelling 180 miles to seek treatment - in order to avoid a huge waiting list. The 72-year-old TV doctor is encouraging others to also travel hundreds of miles, if necessary, in order to avoid being left in agony while waiting for a local facility to have time to offer treatment. Dr Hilary, who has discussed his need to undergo a hip replacement in the past, hopes to spread the news that private medical facilities can be accessed by NHS patients free of charge in order to receive treatment sooner. And by utilising this less known service, there could be a knock on effect that NHS hospitals will become under less strain. The star - who is known for appearing on shows including ITV's Lorraine and Good Morning Britain - is bringing a spotlight to NHS Patient Choice which he used to find a hospital that had next to no waiting list to seek treatment there. Patient Choice is an NHS service that gives people the option to search for private facilities, hospitals and other providers that they can have access to. Private hospitals can even be accessed as long as they provide the same service that the NHS would offer - with patients granted access without being billed for it. Dr Hilary is a spokesperson for Practice Plus Group and he was able to use a new hospital in Birmingham in order to get treated faster. Discussing his use of the hospital, the TV star said, per the Express:"It was 180 miles from my home to Birmingham, but as it's a new hospital and it's a private hospital that treats NHS patients, they could get me in very quickly just with a referral from my GP. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat for faster, quality care and highly recommend it. Patient Choice gives people real power - they just need to know it's there. The NHS App is going to be developed further to make this easier, and you can speak to your GP about your choices. You can choose to be referred to a private hospital at the outset, or you can switch hospitals like I did if you're facing delays locally. "It's free for the patient and costs the NHS no more than if that same patient had their op at an NHS hospital. For people like me, who are lucky enough to be mobile despite needing an operation, it makes complete sense to find a hospital that can do your operation sooner so you can get on the road to recovery sooner. "People don't want to be on a waiting list. They want to get on with their lives. Every single person that looked after me was amazing and couldn't have done any more. I am delighted with the result so far." His decision to use the facility comes after Practice Plus Group commissioned a survey by OnePoll to question 1,000 adults suffering from chronic aches and pains, including those who were looking for surgical solutions. The research revealed that a majority would opt to travel an average of 60 miles for treatment if it could be received within three to four weeks, or 49 miles if the waiting time was between six and eight weeks. And 10% of those surveyed said they would be happy to travel more than 200 miles if an NHS surgery could be scheduled within a month. Last year, Dr Hilary shared details of his surgery and also highlighted that members of the public had a way to gain treatment faster. He said in a statement shared via the Practice Plus Group website: 'I know from my own hip replacement surgery that these 'routine' and 'non-urgent' operations are truly life-changing. Living with pain and not being able to do the things you love is exhausting and debilitating. "Fast access to surgery, if this is what you need, will help you re-gain your mobility, your fitness and quality of life. It's no surprise therefore that going private has become more and more common since the pandemic and is no longer considered just for the rich. But many people are unaware they can also go to a private hospital as an NHS patient, free of charge, and often sooner than waiting for NHS hospitals." He continued: "Under the NHS constitution you have a legal right to choose which hospital to have your NHS treatment in, and this often includes private hospitals. If your GP, physio or other healthcare professional says they're going to refer you to a consultant at a hospital in Birmingham, ask for a list of options so you can compare waiting lists and locations. "You also have a right to switch from one hospital waiting list to another if you've been waiting for more than 18 weeks for surgery and can travel out of your area. My advice is always to discuss your options with your GP to help you get back to your best as soon as possible.'
