Report finds cost of UK private hospital treatment varies from region to region
The cost of private hospital treatment in the UK varies from region to region, according to a new report by Health Which? magazine.
The consumer watchdog magazine called 54 consultants and hospitals in three different regions, enquiring about costs for cataract, hernia and hip replacement operations. The report revealed costs differed substantially for the same operations depending on the region where the treatment took place.
Findings of the report included BUPA Hospitals quoting £1,457 for a hernia operation in Newcastle, £1,570 in Birmingham and £1,700 in London. Nuffield Hospitals also showed variation, with hip replacement treatment starting at £6,369 in Newcastle, £7,361 in Birmingham and £7,600 in London. The north-south divide was revealed with BMI Hospitals, where a cataracts operation was quoted to cost £1,850 in Blackburn, £2,400 in Birmingham, rising to £2,535 in London.
But Gayle Siblock, spokesperson for BUPA Hospitals, said the figures quoted in the report did not give an accurate picture of their costing. 'The range in our prices is not actually that great. But aside from this, costing depends on many different factors. If patients are looking to go down the self-pay route, it is not a simple matter of cost as this is determined on a case-by-case basis. Customers also need to look at what is included in the price, such as treatment before and after surgery.'
Faye Bosworth, spokesperson for Nuffield Hospitals, had a similar response. 'Self-pay prices are determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient's age, physical condition and the particular procedure. Prices are agreed locally and can reflect variations in underlying costs, such as consultant and hospital charges,' she said.
Peter Fermoy, communications manager at the Independent Hospitals Association, said that although there are regional differences in cost, the key is to shop around.
'I would dispute there is a north-south divide, but there are certainly regional differences. In cities such as Manchester and London, as is the case with most commodities, operating expenses are higher and so charges will be too. Customers need to use their knowledge and take advice when making a choice on which hospital will best fulfil their needs,' he said.
