Can you pick the consultant you want in the NHS?

[HowMyHeartSings]

Hi - I've seen a consultant for my SVT via BUPA so far but my outpatient allowance has now run out. Would I be able to request the same consultant through the NHS? Do they always choose for you or can you have a say in who you want to see? I think it also might be safer to have a catheter ablation (which I'm considering) in an NHS hospital (I'm in Leeds) rather than a private one. Any answers on the above greatly appreciated.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello

Here is some information from the NHS about which services you can choose.

nhs.uk/common-health-questi...

I suggest you go your GP to discuss your options. You can usually ask to see a 'named' Consultant .

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

One problem might be the consultant's NHS waiting list. I changed surgeons because of this and actually think it was a beneficial move in many ways.

[Lamsie]

Hi I used to work for the NHS and you can request a certain surgeon - if you are prepared to go on their waiting list, which may not be the shortest. I am having my first ablation on 9 September privately, but this will be done in an NHS cardiac unit by my consultant, as private hospitals don’t usually have appropriate cardiac facilities. My consultant also works for the NHS as most of them do. I hope this helps x

[Gowers]

I first saw my cardiologist as a private patient because of serious health concerns with heart af etc. My gp suggested I pay as there was over 6month wait at local nhs hospital. Cardiologist then put me on his nhs waiting list as he said no need to pay to see me. Also, he won't do heart surgery/ablation in a private hospital as he says it's not as safe as nhs, but, most big nhs hospitals have specialists with various expertise on duty 24x7 in the hospital who can be called on in an emergency.

I don't know that this applies to all private hospitals as some probably do have round the clock care. An example of this - Many years ago a neighbour had complications after private surgery & had to wait that night for her consultant to get back to the hospital & get her sorted.

Must admit I was suprised he wouldn't do private heart surgery but, as he explained as with all surgery there is a risk but he knows that there is more back-up staff if needed in nhs hospitals. Hope this helps