For some, going into hospital is a daunting prospect but choosing the right hospital can put your mind at ease. This is especially the case in a city like London where there is such a wide variety of private hospitals to choose from. It is important to consider what your priorities are as specialities differ from hospital to hospital.
Distance
How far away the hospital is from your house might feel like something you can make a low priority, in favour of the best care for you. However, try not to compromise this too much as if you are undertaking a major operation a long car journey home can be daunting. The distance can also become an issue if you need to return for checkups.
The best care for you
What you consider to be the best private hospital near you, might not be best suited for the specific care you need. Make sure to consider exactly what care each hospital can offer you and take into account specific doctors as well as the hospital overall.
Look at the facilities
Make sure you are aware of what facilities will be available to you during your stay. You need to consider everything from food to rooms to bathrooms, as all these things will shape your time in the hospital. Think about what your priorities are in this case. You might also want to consider the facilities available in case of emergencies. Smaller private hospitals might feel more personal; however, they might not have an emergency intensive care unit.
Compare hospitals
Before committing to a hospital, you might want to look at online statistics to compare different aspects of hospitals. The Care Quality Commission is an independent body that inspects private hospitals and publishes their results online, providing a comprehensive comparison of different hospitals.
Consider recommendations
It is possible your doctor will give you a recommendation, but you should also take into account the recommendation of friends who have personally experienced the hospital. The hospital website can only take you so far, but a friend can give you personal insight.
Read patient feedback
Most hospitals will provide patient feedback on their websites that will give you a good idea of what the hospital is really like. Be aware that even the best hospitals will receive some negative feedback, so don’t be put off by the odd bad review.
Ask questions
Nothing is more important than your health so don’t be afraid to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have. You may wish to visit your chosen hospital as you might feel more comfortable on the day if you are familiar with it.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you make the right decision for your health. Choosing a reliable and professional hospital like Highgate Hospital is vitally important, ensuring you receive the best care you can.