Scheduling surgery around your holidays

Scheduling surgery – the process

Before scheduling a surgery, you’ll start with an appointment. This will be with a specialist or member of the surgical team. The consultation is a comprehensive session that can include a nurse’s assessment and, if necessary, an X-ray. During the consultation, the specialist will discuss treatment options. These will include whether additional tests are required and if surgery is needed.

If you do need surgery, you’ll be booked for a date and time to suit you.

The benefits of planned private surgery

Having planned private surgery comes with significant benefits. Private medical treatment is more convenient when it comes to scheduling your surgery. After your initial consultation, you’ll be able to book your surgery at a time and date that works for you, rather than having one given to you.

Private patients can also enjoy shorter surgery wait times. NHS waiting lists vary by hospital but are on the rise month-on-month. In fact, some patients around the UK are facing a waiting list of up to 18 months for their treatment.

Depending on the nature of your treatment, the period between the consultation and the actual day of surgery for private patients at Practice Plus Group is typically between four and six weeks.

Another benefit of deciding to have your treatment with Practice Plus Group is the ability to choose from 10 hospital locations around the UK. Once you’ve made your decision, you’ll also be able to choose the specialist to perform your surgery.

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Patient testimonial

“I was stuck; what was my choice? I was an otherwise fit 70-year-old wanting to enjoy retirement…I decided to pay [for my treatment]. It was worth every penny.”

Graeme Wakerley, hernia patient at Practice Plus Group

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What is the best time to schedule surgery?

The optimal time to schedule surgery varies depending on several factors. These include:

• the type of surgery needed
• your general health
• your lifestyle.

Some of the key factors to consider when deciding when to have your surgery are:

• Healing time: ensure you have enough time for recovery without conflicting with major life events.
• Seasonal illnesses: try to avoid scheduling surgery during peak flu or cold seasons.
• Coordinate with holidays: scheduling surgery around your holiday time allows you to combine recovery time with time off work. For example, you may have some accumulated annual sick days that you can use at a specific time.
• Available support: if you’ll need the extra help of family or friends post-surgery, coordinate with them to find periods they’ll be free to ensure you’ll have the help you need available.
• Travel options: if a friend is taking you to and from the hospital, be sure to schedule a time they’re free. If using public transport, check timetables to ensure they align with the date and times you plan to go.

Planning surgery around your winter holidays

If planning your surgery around your winter holidays, there are a few factors to take into consideration.

Weather conditions during the winter period can often cause issues with transportation for both short and long-distance travel. It’s also around the peak time for cold and flu, which can put further stress on the healthcare system. With people often taking their holidays around this time of year, you may find that some medical facilities have reduced staff or modified schedules.

There are also advantages that come with scheduling your surgery during the winter holidays. In many industries, work slows down around the Christmas period. This means winter can be the best time to reduce stress during your recovery period. It can also allow you to take time off with less disruption. As many people are on holiday, it is also easier for your friends and family to find free time for extra support.

Planning surgery around your summer holiday

If planning surgery over the holidays, summer can be an appealing time. However, like winter, it has its benefits and drawbacks that you’ll need to assess.

While warmer weather may be enjoyable, intense heat in summer can lead to issues. These range from dehydration, discomfort, and swelling. It’s crucial to stay hydrated and keep the surgical sites cool and dry. This is to avoid issues around high temperatures and humidity. Summer is also a popular time for holidays abroad, so family and friends may be harder to get a hold of.

With that said, scheduling surgery in summer still has many advantages. If the heat doesn’t get too intense, the warm weather and longer days can help improve your wellbeing and promote a more positive recovery. Summer can also be a good time of year for knee surgery and other operations that require post-operative exercises or physiotherapy. You may find it easier to do these physical activities in the summer when you can enjoy the warmer outdoor conditions and long hours of sunlight.

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Did you know?

20% of people on the NHS waiting list risk incurring extra costs by holidaying abroad without specialist insurance

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