Our health is something we often take for granted until we, or a loved one, falls ill. While the NHS is an invaluable resource in the UK, unsustainable pressures mean that being treated promptly, or even securing an appointment, is becoming increasingly difficult. For those with health issues, long wait times and inadequate treatment are simply unmanageable and could even be life-threatening in serious cases. For these reasons and more, using a private medical centre could be the best solution.

If you’ve been considering booking a private GP appointment, but feel like you’ll simply be paying to run into the same issues you’ve been experiencing with NHS care, we’re here to clear up any confusion. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the biggest benefits of using a private medical centre to help you get a better idea of what to expect.

What is a Private Medical Centre?

Private healthcare refers to medical treatment which you pay for yourself – either directly to the healthcare provider or through private medical insurance. Private medical centres run independently from the NHS, with their own workforce.

While private medical centres are run independently from the NHS, they are still regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and inspected and rated against their governing standards. This means that you can check a centre’s rating and quality of care before making a private GP appointment.

The Benefits of Private GP Services & Surgical Procedures

As mentioned above, private healthcare can offer a range of advantages over NHS treatment in many cases. People will often consider treatment at a private medical centre if they are looking for somewhere local, faster treatment or more privacy. Below are some of the ways that you can expect to benefit when using the services of a private medical centre like Friends Medical Service.

Personalised Care & Attention

One of the most valuable benefits of using private healthcare services is the level of personalised care you will receive. Unlike public healthcare, where time constraints might limit the individual attention you receive from a medical professional, private medical centres are able to better prioritise patient satisfaction and comfort.

At Friends Medical Service, our dedicated team takes the time to understand each patient’s unique medical needs and accommodate them accordingly, providing tailored treatment plans and ensuring that all concerns are addressed with the highest standard of care.

Prompt Access to Specialists

Long waiting times for specialist consultations and surgical procedures can be frustrating and, in some cases, detrimental to your health. Private medical centres offer expedited access to a wide range of medical specialists, guaranteeing that you receive a timely diagnosis and treatment. Whether you require a consultation with a cardiologist, a surgeon or a radiologist, Friends Medical Service streamlines the process with a prompt service.

State-of-the-Art Facilities & Equipment

Private medical centres boast state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge medical equipment, which can often translate to a more accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment options. At Friends Medical Service, we invest in the latest technology to deliver superior healthcare services. From innovative surgical techniques to modern ultrasound equipment, our centre is well-equipped to handle diverse medical needs with precision.

Enhanced Privacy & Confidentiality

Privacy and confidentiality are both cornerstones of the healthcare system, and private medical centres excel in providing a safe, discreet environment for patients. From confidential consultations to secure data handling processes, Friends Medical Service upholds the highest standards of privacy protection. We want to make patients feel at ease, which is why we aim to build confidence in them that their sensitive information is in safe hands with us.

Flexible Appointments

Flexibility in scheduling private GP appointments is another huge plus to going private. Patients are able to book appointments at their leisure, avoiding the hassle of long waiting lists and rigid schedules. Whether you’re in need of a same-day appointment or prefer a weekend consultation, Friends Medical Services can take your schedule into account and find an appointment time that works best for you. We always aim to prioritise your convenience without compromising on care.

Continuity of Care

For those with chronic health conditions, continual care is essential for the long-term management of symptoms and ensuring that healthcare is streamlined between providers. Private medical centres like Friends Medical Service are dedicated to providing continuity of care by fostering strong relationships with patients and coordinating multi-disciplinary care plans. Whether you require ongoing treatment for a chronic condition or postoperative follow up care, our team will continue to support you every step of the way.

Peace of Mind

Ultimately, the overarching benefit of attending a private medical centre is the peace of mind that goes along with it. Knowing that you have access to high-quality healthcare services, surgical procedures, personalised attention and prompt treatment can alleviate a lot of the anxiety and uncertainty you might be feeling around your health concerns. With Friends Medical Service by your side, you can rest assured that your care is in very safe and capable hands, allowing you to focus on living your life to the fullest.

Why Choose Friends Medical Service?

The healthcare standards at Friends Medical Service are based around three core principles that inform our approach to medical services.

Respect

We are a progressive company that treats all patients and staff with the utmost respect and dignity irrespective of their ethnicity, religion, gender and so on. We champion diversity and tolerance of different backgrounds in the workplace throughout all areas of our organisation and this extends to our behaviour with patients as well. We in turn also seek to earn the respect of our patients through maintaining open channels for feedback on our various services and emphasising to our staff the importance of acting on said feedback.

On top of this, we are dedicated to contributing positively to the healthcare industry with our pledge to contribute to various research and charitable initiatives in line with larger, established organisations to constantly improve the service experienced by our patients.

Trust

We at Friends Medical Service are dedicated to providing the best-in-class service for this sector and we consistently achieve this through our strong work ethos and by maintaining high standards for proficiency across all our workforce. The passion we harbour for wanting to provide our patients with the most amicable experience and the optimum solution to their problems is what drives us to deliver without fail in these areas so as to help them feel truly cared for and understood in our clinic.

Accountability

Friends Medical Service are committed to maintaining transparency and honesty in all of our interactions with patients so as to convey our genuine desire to provide a tailored approach to successfully tackle each case with the highest level of care. It is this desire that also makes us acutely aware of our responsibility to provide our patients with the information they need to make the best decision moving forward with their healthcare.

Book a Private GP Appointment Today

If you’re looking for a private medical centre in Northern Ireland, Friends Medical Service is the facility to contact. We service both the NHS and the private sector, currently providing an extensive range of radiology services to our patients, in addition to minor surgical procedures and physician consultations.

We are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care to each and every patient, ensuring prompt and proficient service that leaves no stone unturned with regards to your experience with us.

Book an appointment with us online, or for more information about our services, please get in touch with us today.