London has one of the largest concentrations of private hospitals and specialist medical centres in the United Kingdom. Patients can find private care for complex surgery, cancer, cardiology, orthopaedics, neurological conditions, women’s health, diagnostics and many other specialties, often with greater choice over consultants and appointment timing than is possible through standard NHS pathways.
Choosing a private hospital, however, should involve more than selecting the most prestigious name or the most luxurious accommodation. Clinical expertise, consultant experience, diagnostic facilities, intensive-care support, insurance arrangements, costs and the hospital’s ability to manage complications can all matter more than hotel-style amenities.
This guide examines prominent private hospitals in London rather than presenting an unsupported numerical ranking. It also explains how self-pay treatment works, what private health insurance may cover, how international patients can arrange care, and how to check independent information through organisations such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN).
Hospital services, consultants, insurer agreements and prices can change, so patients should confirm current information directly before arranging treatment.
How Private Hospital Care Works in London
Private healthcare in England operates alongside the National Health Service. A patient may use private care because they want a particular consultant, faster access to some elective services, additional appointment flexibility, private accommodation or treatment that they prefer to fund independently.
Private treatment does not automatically mean medically superior treatment. Many consultants work in both NHS and independent hospitals, and the appropriate setting depends on the patient’s condition, the expertise required and the facilities available if complications occur.
Private patients generally access treatment in one of three ways: through private medical insurance, by paying for treatment themselves, or through sponsorship arrangements that may be available to some international patients.
Private Hospitals Versus NHS Hospitals
| Area | Private Hospital | NHS Hospital |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | Insurance, self-pay or another funding arrangement | Most clinically necessary care is funded through the NHS for eligible patients |
| Consultant choice | Patients can often choose a specific consultant | Choice depends on NHS referral pathways and local arrangements |
| Elective appointment timing | May provide greater scheduling flexibility | Timing depends on clinical priority and NHS capacity |
| Accommodation | Private rooms are common at many hospitals | Private rooms are not routinely guaranteed |
| Emergency and highly complex care | Capabilities vary significantly between hospitals | Major NHS teaching hospitals often provide extensive emergency and specialist services |
A private hospital can be an attractive option for planned treatment, but patients with highly complex illnesses should pay close attention to clinical infrastructure. Ask whether the hospital has an intensive care unit, appropriate imaging, emergency surgical support, blood-bank services and access to other specialists if needed.
What Makes a London Private Hospital Worth Considering?
The phrase “premium healthcare” can refer to private rooms, concierge services and convenient appointments, but these should be secondary considerations when making a medical decision. Several clinical and practical factors deserve more weight.
Consultant Expertise
In the UK private system, the hospital and the consultant are not always the same provider. Consultants may practise independently while holding admitting privileges at a hospital.
Patients should therefore research the individual clinician as carefully as the hospital. Check the doctor’s specialty, professional registration, experience with the proposed procedure and whether the consultant routinely manages patients with your particular diagnosis.
Clinical Facilities
A hospital performing major operations should have the resources needed for the complexity of the procedure. Depending on the treatment, relevant facilities might include critical care, advanced imaging, interventional radiology, pathology, cardiac monitoring or specialist rehabilitation.
Regulatory Information
Independent hospitals in England fall within the regulatory framework of the Care Quality Commission where applicable. Patients can use the CQC website to search for registered healthcare providers and review available inspection and regulatory information.
PHIN also provides information intended to help patients compare private healthcare providers and consultants. Because healthcare information can change over time, these resources are useful for checking the current position rather than relying solely on promotional material.
Leading Private Hospitals in London
The hospitals below are prominent independent institutions or major private hospital facilities in London. They are not arranged as a clinical ranking. Different hospitals have different strengths, and a smaller specialist centre can be more appropriate than a large multidisciplinary hospital for a particular patient.
| Hospital | London Area | Examples of Major Clinical Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Clinic London | Belgravia | Heart, digestive diseases, neurology, orthopaedics and surgery |
| The London Clinic | Marylebone | Cancer, surgery, orthopaedics, urology and diagnostics |
| London Bridge Hospital | London Bridge | Cardiac care, cancer, surgery and complex medicine |
| The Harley Street Clinic | Harley Street area | Cancer, cardiac care and specialist surgery |
| The Wellington Hospital | St John’s Wood | Neurology, rehabilitation, orthopaedics and complex surgery |
| Cromwell Hospital | Kensington | Multispecialty medicine, surgery and diagnostics |
| King Edward VII’s Hospital | Marylebone | Urology, orthopaedics, surgery and specialist medicine |
| Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth | St John’s Wood | General surgery, orthopaedics, women’s health and diagnostics |
| The Princess Grace Hospital | Marylebone | Surgery, orthopaedics, urology and specialist care |
Cleveland Clinic London
Location: Belgravia, central London
Official website: Cleveland Clinic London
Cleveland Clinic London is part of the wider Cleveland Clinic healthcare organisation. Its London hospital provides private multidisciplinary care with an emphasis on managing both complex medical conditions and planned procedures.
Major Clinical Areas
The hospital’s published services include cardiovascular medicine, digestive diseases, neurosciences, orthopaedics and surgical specialties. Its multidisciplinary model may be especially relevant for patients whose conditions require input from more than one specialty.
Patients considering major surgery should still ask specifically which critical-care and postoperative resources apply to their proposed procedure. The presence of a broad hospital infrastructure does not mean every consultant or service is appropriate for every condition.
Insurance, Self-Pay and International Care
Private hospital charges can involve several elements, including hospital fees, consultant charges, diagnostic tests, anaesthesia, medication and follow-up care. Insured patients should confirm authorisation with their insurer before treatment and verify that both the hospital and individual consultant fall within the applicable coverage arrangements.
International patients should request a written estimate and ask what medical records are required before a consultation can be arranged.
The London Clinic
Location: Marylebone, central London
Official website: The London Clinic
The London Clinic is an independent hospital with a long-established presence in central London. Its location near Harley Street places it within one of London’s largest clusters of private consultants, diagnostic centres and specialist medical services.
Major Clinical Areas
The hospital provides a broad range of medical and surgical services. Areas represented on its official website include cancer care, orthopaedics, urology, digestive diseases and various surgical specialties.
For patients facing cancer or another complex diagnosis, the useful question is not simply whether a hospital “offers oncology.” Ask how cases are reviewed, what diagnostic services are available, which specialists participate in treatment planning and where emergency complications would be managed.
Who May Consider It?
The London Clinic may be researched by patients who want central-London private care with access to multiple specialties, including patients requiring coordinated diagnostics and surgery. International patients may also value the location and access to a large network of London consultants.
London Bridge Hospital
Location: London Bridge and associated facilities in central London
Official website: London Bridge Hospital
London Bridge Hospital is part of HCA Healthcare UK. It provides private medical and surgical services in the London Bridge area and operates within a network of specialist HCA facilities.
Major Clinical Areas
Clinical services include cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, surgery and other complex specialties. Its central location may be particularly convenient for patients who need access to multiple consultants or diagnostic appointments.
Patients undergoing cardiac, cancer or other high-complexity treatment should ask which part of the hospital network will provide each stage of care. Consultation, imaging, surgery and follow-up may not always occur at the same physical site.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- Will all stages of treatment take place at London Bridge Hospital?
- Are consultant and hospital fees included in the same estimate?
- Does my insurer require pre-authorisation?
- What happens if an unexpected intensive-care stay is required?
- Which follow-up appointments are included in the quoted package?
The Harley Street Clinic
Location: Marylebone/Harley Street area
Official website: The Harley Street Clinic
The Harley Street Clinic is another HCA Healthcare UK facility and is associated with specialist cancer and cardiac services as well as other complex medical and surgical care.
Cancer and Cardiac Services
Patients researching private oncology should consider more than access to an oncologist. Ask about pathology review, radiology, surgery, systemic treatment, radiotherapy when relevant and how specialists communicate during treatment.
For cardiac treatment, ask whether the planned procedure is performed regularly at the facility and what level of cardiac critical-care support is available.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
A consultant may charge independently from the hospital. Consequently, an insurer’s approval of hospital treatment does not always establish that every clinician involved is covered under the same terms.
Request written confirmation from your insurer whenever possible, particularly before major procedures.
The Wellington Hospital
Location: St John’s Wood, northwest-central London
Official website: The Wellington Hospital
The Wellington Hospital is a large private hospital within HCA Healthcare UK. It is known for multidisciplinary care that includes neurological, orthopaedic, spinal and rehabilitation services alongside other medical specialties.
Neurology, Neurosurgery and Rehabilitation
Patients with complicated neurological or spinal conditions often need several disciplines rather than a single specialist. Neurology, neurosurgery, imaging, rehabilitation medicine, physiotherapy and other services may all play a role.
A large multidisciplinary facility can therefore be worth researching when care is likely to extend beyond one operation or consultation.
Who Might Research the Wellington?
Patients considering complex spinal surgery, neurological care, rehabilitation or major orthopaedic treatment may want to investigate the hospital alongside other specialist centres. The correct choice should depend on the specific consultant team and treatment plan rather than the hospital brand alone.
Cromwell Hospital
Location: Kensington, London
Official website: Cromwell Hospital
Cromwell Hospital is a major private hospital in west-central London. It operates as a multidisciplinary institution with diagnostic, medical and surgical services and treats both UK and international patients.
Multispecialty Care
Its broad service profile can be useful for people whose diagnosis involves several medical specialties or who need sophisticated diagnostic investigations before treatment is determined.
International patients considering Cromwell Hospital should ask its patient-services team about medical-record review, interpreter arrangements where required, estimated treatment costs, deposits and payment procedures.
Before Accepting a Treatment Estimate
Ask whether the estimate includes the surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital stay, diagnostic tests, medication, implants or devices, pathology and scheduled follow-up. An apparently complete hospital quote may not always include all professional fees.
King Edward VII’s Hospital
Location: Marylebone, London
Official website: King Edward VII’s Hospital
King Edward VII’s Hospital is an independent London hospital offering private specialist care. Its clinical services include surgical and medical specialties, with notable activity in areas such as urology and musculoskeletal care.
Specialist and Surgical Care
Patients considering urological, orthopaedic or other planned surgical treatment may find a specialist-focused independent hospital attractive. The key step is matching the procedure with an appropriately experienced consultant and confirming that the hospital has the required support facilities.
Practical Considerations
Before admission, request a clear explanation of what is included in any self-pay package. If treatment may become more complex than originally expected, ask how additional operating time, imaging, laboratory tests or extra nights are charged.
Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth
Location: St John’s Wood, London
Official website: Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth
The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth is an independent hospital in St John’s Wood. It provides private outpatient, diagnostic, medical and surgical care across multiple specialties.
Clinical Services
Services include areas such as orthopaedics, general surgery, women’s health, diagnostics and other specialist medicine. Patients looking for elective treatment in northwest-central London may find the location useful, especially when their consultant already practises there.
As with any independent hospital, confirm that the facilities available are appropriate for the complexity of the planned procedure.
The Princess Grace Hospital
Location: Marylebone, London
Official website: The Princess Grace Hospital
The Princess Grace Hospital is an HCA Healthcare UK hospital in central London. It provides private surgical and medical treatment across several specialties.
Surgery and Specialist Care
The hospital may be considered by patients seeking private surgery in areas such as orthopaedics, urology and other specialist fields represented by its consultant teams.
Patients should compare the individual surgeon’s experience, hospital facilities and postoperative arrangements with alternative institutions rather than assuming a central-London private hospital is automatically the most appropriate place for every procedure.
How to Compare London’s Private Hospitals Properly
Hospital reputation is useful as a starting point, but it is a poor substitute for procedure-specific research. Two hospitals with similar reputations can have very different expertise in a particular operation.
Start With the Condition, Not the Brand
Identify the type of specialist you require before comparing hospitals. A patient with a heart rhythm disorder, for example, has different needs from someone seeking joint replacement or cancer surgery.
Once the medical specialty is clear, compare consultants and hospitals based on their relevance to that condition.
Check the Consultant
Ask:
- Is the consultant appropriately registered to practise in the UK?
- Does the doctor regularly treat this diagnosis?
- Where does the consultant perform the proposed procedure?
- Who provides care if the consultant is unavailable?
- How is follow-up managed after discharge?
Patients can also use appropriate professional and regulatory resources when checking clinicians rather than relying only on marketing biographies.
Review the Hospital’s Safety Infrastructure
For major surgery, find out whether the hospital has critical-care facilities appropriate for the procedure. Ask about emergency cover, diagnostic imaging, laboratory support and arrangements for unexpected complications.
This is particularly relevant for older patients, people with several medical conditions and anyone undergoing complex surgery.
Private Hospital Costs in London
There is no single meaningful price for “private hospital treatment in London.” Costs depend on the consultant, diagnosis, tests, type of anaesthesia, operation, hospital stay, prostheses or implants, medications and the complexity of recovery.
A simple outpatient consultation involves a very different financial commitment from cardiac surgery, cancer therapy or a complicated orthopaedic procedure.
| Service | How Pricing Commonly Works | Factors to Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | May be billed by the consultant independently | Initial versus follow-up fee, tests and imaging |
| Diagnostic imaging | May have a separate facility or professional charge | Scan type, contrast, specialist interpretation |
| Planned surgery | May be quoted as a package or separate charges | Surgeon, anaesthetist, theatre, implant and hospital stay |
| Cancer treatment | Varies substantially according to treatment plan | Drugs, imaging, pathology, radiotherapy and specialist fees |
| Inpatient stay | Depends on treatment and length of admission | Room, nursing, medication and additional clinical services |
Why Published Prices Can Be Misleading
A published self-pay price may apply only to a defined procedure and a patient who meets particular clinical criteria. Complications, additional investigations or a longer hospital stay can alter the final amount.
Similarly, an insured patient generally should not use a public self-pay price to estimate their personal liability. Insurer arrangements and policy benefits work differently from self-funded packages.
What to Request Before Paying
Ask the hospital or consultant for a written estimate describing what is and is not included. For surgery, check specifically for surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees, hospital charges, implants, pathology, imaging, medications and follow-up appointments.
The Private Healthcare Information Network also provides patient-facing information about private healthcare and consultants that can support comparison research.
Using Private Medical Insurance at a London Hospital
Private medical insurance in the UK works differently from the US health-insurance system. Policies commonly define which conditions, treatments, hospitals and consultants may be funded, subject to the terms and exclusions of the individual plan.
Never assume that a hospital is covered merely because your insurer is well known or because the hospital has previously treated patients insured by the same company.
Pre-Authorisation
For many planned investigations or procedures, an insurer may require authorisation before treatment begins. Patients are often asked to provide clinical information such as a GP referral or consultant recommendation.
Receiving authorisation does not necessarily mean every possible expense is unlimited. Ask the insurer whether there are restrictions relating to the hospital, consultant fees, treatment type, outpatient benefits or policy excess.
Policy Excess and Benefit Limits
A policy excess is an amount the member may have to contribute under the conditions of the policy. Other policies may impose limits for particular benefits or consultant fees.
Because private medical insurance contracts vary widely, the safest approach is to obtain confirmation from the insurer for the specific consultant, hospital and procedure.
Five Things to Confirm With Your Insurer
- Is the selected hospital covered for this treatment?
- Is the specific consultant recognised under my policy?
- Has the procedure or investigation been authorised?
- Does an excess or other patient contribution apply?
- Are there limits on consultant, anaesthetist or follow-up fees?
Self-Pay Private Healthcare in London
Patients do not necessarily need private insurance to use a private hospital. Many hospitals offer self-pay pathways for consultations, diagnostics and planned procedures.
Self-paying can be relatively straightforward when treatment is clearly defined. It becomes more complicated when the diagnosis is uncertain or when treatment may require several specialists, repeated investigations or an unpredictable hospital stay.
Ask for a Written Treatment Plan
Before committing to expensive care, understand whether the proposed price covers only the initial stage or the complete expected treatment pathway.
For example, an operation may involve separate charges from the surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital. Follow-up imaging or physiotherapy may also fall outside the original estimate.
Do Not Choose on Price Alone
A lower quotation may not represent the same clinical package. Compare what each hospital includes, the consultant responsible for treatment, postoperative support and how complications would be handled.
International Patients Seeking Private Treatment in London
London’s private healthcare sector serves patients from many countries. Some large hospitals maintain dedicated international-patient teams that coordinate medical-record reviews, appointments, estimates and administrative arrangements.
International patients should contact the relevant hospital before travelling because not every condition can be accepted for treatment and a specialist may need to review medical information first.
Documents You May Be Asked to Provide
- Passport or identification details
- Current diagnosis and referral information
- Recent medical reports
- Imaging files and radiology reports
- Laboratory or pathology results
- Current medication list
- Details of previous surgery or treatment
- Insurance or sponsor documentation where applicable
Hospitals may request additional information depending on the condition. Patients should also independently check UK immigration and visa requirements applicable to their circumstances rather than relying solely on a hospital appointment as evidence that entry requirements have been satisfied.
Plan for Follow-Up Before Travelling Home
A patient may be medically fit to leave hospital before they are ready for a long international journey. Ask how long the treating team recommends remaining nearby, what symptoms require urgent review and how follow-up will work after returning home.
International patients should also clarify what happens if additional treatment becomes necessary beyond the original estimate.
Questions to Ask a Private Hospital Before Treatment
A focused set of questions can reveal more than promotional brochures or luxury-room photographs.
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Who will be clinically responsible for my care? | Clarifies consultant responsibility and cover arrangements |
| How often is this procedure performed here? | Helps assess procedure-specific experience |
| What facilities are available if complications occur? | Shows the level of emergency and critical-care support |
| What is excluded from my estimate? | Reduces unexpected financial surprises |
| Are consultant fees billed separately? | Hospital and professional charges may differ |
| What follow-up is included? | Clarifies postoperative or ongoing care |
| What does my insurer need before admission? | Helps prevent authorisation problems |
How to Check the Quality of a Private Hospital
High room standards, short booking times and a central London address do not establish clinical quality. Patients should use several sources when researching a facility.
Check CQC Information
The Care Quality Commission regulates health and social care services in England within its statutory remit. Search the CQC database for current information about a hospital or provider.
Use PHIN for Private Healthcare Research
PHIN publishes information intended to support patient understanding and comparison of private healthcare. Patients can use it alongside hospital websites and discussions with their clinicians.
Research the Individual Consultant
Hospital choice and consultant choice should be treated as related but separate decisions. A respected hospital does not automatically mean every specialist there is the right clinician for a particular case.
Ask your GP, treating doctor or another qualified medical professional for guidance when the choice involves a serious diagnosis or complex procedure.
Premium Services That May Matter—and Those That Matter Less
Private hospitals often promote private rooms, restaurant-style menus, concierge assistance and convenient locations. These features can improve comfort, particularly during a stressful admission, but they should not determine where complex treatment takes place.
More meaningful features may include rapid access to appropriate diagnostics, specialist nursing teams, experienced consultants, multidisciplinary case review, high-dependency or intensive-care support and reliable postoperative care.
For a short, low-risk elective procedure, convenience and accommodation may carry more weight. For major cancer, cardiac, neurological or complex surgical treatment, clinical resources deserve priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered the best private hospital in London?
There is no single private hospital that can reasonably be called the best for every patient. Cleveland Clinic London, The London Clinic, London Bridge Hospital, The Harley Street Clinic, The Wellington Hospital, Cromwell Hospital and several other institutions are prominent private providers, but their clinical strengths differ. A patient requiring complex cardiac treatment may need different expertise from someone seeking orthopaedic surgery or cancer care. Compare the relevant consultant, hospital facilities, regulatory information, cost and insurance arrangements rather than relying on a general ranking.
Are private hospitals in London better than NHS hospitals?
Private care is not automatically better clinically. Private hospitals may provide advantages such as consultant choice, private accommodation and more flexible access to some planned services. NHS teaching hospitals, however, provide extensive emergency, trauma and highly specialised services and manage some of the country’s most complex cases. The appropriate setting depends on the diagnosis, urgency, specialist expertise required and the patient’s funding situation. For serious illness, medical suitability should take priority over whether the facility is private or NHS.
How much does treatment at a private London hospital cost?
There is no reliable single price because treatment varies enormously. A consultation, MRI scan, day-case procedure, joint replacement and complex cancer treatment all involve different resources. Hospital fees may also be separate from consultant and anaesthetist charges. Self-paying patients should request a written estimate that identifies what is included and what could generate additional charges. Published package prices should not be treated as guaranteed final bills when a patient’s clinical needs change.
Can I use private health insurance at London hospitals?
Many patients fund treatment using private medical insurance, but coverage depends on the individual policy. Insurers may restrict which hospitals, consultants and treatments are eligible and may require pre-authorisation. Do not assume a hospital is covered because it works with your insurer generally. Confirm the specific hospital, consultant and procedure with the insurer before treatment and ask whether an excess, benefit limit or consultant-fee restriction applies.
Can I pay for private hospital treatment myself?
Yes. Many London private hospitals provide self-pay options for patients without private medical insurance. Self-pay can cover consultations, diagnostic tests and planned procedures, although arrangements differ by provider. Ask for an itemised written estimate before treatment. Check whether consultant fees, anaesthesia, imaging, pathology, implants, medication and follow-up appointments are included. Complex cases may be harder to price in advance because the required treatment can change after further investigation.
Do London private hospitals accept international patients?
Several major private hospitals in London have services for international patients, although acceptance depends on the condition, specialist availability and financial arrangements. Patients are commonly asked to send medical records for review before travelling. The hospital may also require an estimate to be accepted or a deposit to be paid. International patients should separately confirm travel, visa and immigration requirements and should plan how follow-up care will continue after they return home.
Do I need a GP referral to see a private consultant?
Requirements vary. Some private consultants and services can accept direct appointments, while others may request a GP or specialist referral. An insurer may also require a referral or clinical documentation before authorising treatment, even when the hospital itself does not. Patients using private medical insurance should therefore check both the hospital’s booking requirements and the insurer’s policy rules before scheduling an appointment.
What is the difference between Harley Street and a private hospital?
Harley Street is an area of central London known for private medical consulting rooms, clinics and specialist practices. Not every Harley Street facility is a full inpatient hospital. A consultant may see patients in a Harley Street clinic but perform surgery at a separate hospital nearby. Before treatment, confirm exactly where the procedure will take place and what facilities, emergency support and regulatory arrangements apply at that location.
How can I check whether a private hospital is safe?
Start with independent regulatory information rather than relying only on hospital marketing. The Care Quality Commission provides information about regulated health services in England, while PHIN offers patient-facing information about private healthcare providers and consultants. Patients should also investigate the individual consultant, ask about procedure-specific experience and confirm what emergency or critical-care resources are available for the treatment being considered.
Are consultant fees included in a private hospital bill?
Not always. Private healthcare can involve separate charges from the hospital, consultant surgeon, physician, anaesthetist or other specialists. A hospital package may include some professional fees but exclude others. Ask for written clarification before treatment, particularly if paying yourself. Insured patients should also confirm that the insurer recognises each relevant provider rather than assuming hospital authorisation automatically covers every clinician involved.
Can I get a second opinion at a London private hospital?
Private consultants commonly provide specialist consultations that patients may use when seeking another medical opinion. For a meaningful review, the new specialist may need previous clinic letters, scans, pathology, laboratory results and details of earlier treatment. A second opinion does not guarantee that a different recommendation will be made, but it may help clarify treatment options in complex or preference-sensitive situations. Patients using insurance should check whether second-opinion consultations are covered by their policy.
Choosing the Right London Private Hospital for Your Needs
London offers an unusually broad choice of independent hospitals, but the most recognisable name is not necessarily the right place for every patient. Start with your diagnosis and identify the specialty and level of clinical support the proposed treatment requires. Then compare the consultant’s relevant experience, hospital facilities, location and arrangements for complications and follow-up.
Financial checks should happen before treatment wherever possible. Self-paying patients should obtain a written estimate and ask which professional and hospital charges are excluded. Insured patients should confirm the hospital, consultant and procedure directly with their insurer and obtain any required authorisation.
For international patients, medical suitability is only one part of planning. Records, payment arrangements, travel requirements and post-treatment follow-up should all be organised before departure.
Resources from the Care Quality Commission and Private Healthcare Information Network can provide useful independent context. Combined with advice from an appropriately qualified clinician, these checks offer a stronger basis for choosing private healthcare than reputation, advertising or luxury amenities alone.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Hospital services, consultant availability, prices and insurance arrangements can change. Confirm current clinical and financial information directly with the hospital, treating medical professional and insurer before making healthcare decisions.