FAQs
Clear, practical information to help you understand your options and make an informed choice about your care.
Frequently asked questions about private thoracic surgery
The NHS provides outstanding care for many patients. However, healthcare can sometimes involve several appointments, different specialists and multiple teams. In his private practice, Mr Harrison personally coordinates every stage of your care—from your first consultation and investigations through to surgery (if needed) and follow-up. This provides a seamless, joined-up experience with one consultant overseeing every decision and acting as your single point of contact throughout.
Mr Harrison provides the same evidence-based surgical expertise whether treating patients privately or within the NHS. The main difference with private care is the experience around your treatment: you can usually be seen more quickly, choose appointments that suit you and have greater continuity throughout your care. Mr Harrison personally oversees your journey from your first consultation through investigations and treatment to your final follow-up, with time to discuss your options and involve your family in decisions. If you need surgery, private hospital care also usually includes the comfort and privacy of your own room.
Private and NHS care don't have to be separate. Many patients choose to move between the two, and Mr Harrison is able to coordinate this seamlessly. Whether arranging further investigations, providing a specialist opinion or undertaking surgery, he will help ensure your care remains joined up, timely and centred around your individual needs.
The cost of private surgery can vary considerably between hospitals and regions. Central London hospitals often have higher hospital charges, but a higher price does not necessarily mean better surgical care or a better outcome.
When choosing where to have treatment, the most important considerations are the experience of your surgeon, the quality and safety of the hospital, and the specialist support available to you before, during and after your operation.
Having treatment in Southampton gives you access to highly specialised thoracic surgery, including advanced robotic and minimally invasive techniques, without the additional costs often associated with central London private hospitals. For patients across the South Coast, it also means having your treatment and follow-up closer to home.
Self-paying patients are welcome. Initial consultations cost £300 and follow-up appointments cost £250. The cost of investigations and surgery depends on the treatment required, and you'll receive a clear, personalised quotation before making any decisions.
See Fees & insuranceYes. Most major private medical insurers are accepted, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality and WPA. We will guide you through the authorisation process and explain everything you'll need before your appointment.
Most consultations take place at Spire Southampton Hospital. Telephone or video consultations can be arranged where appropriate or if preferred.
Booking is simple. Arrange a consultation online, or contact Mr Harrison's secretary Jill Lange, who will be happy to guide you through the booking process and answer any practical questions. Call 02380 914453, email jill.langer@spirehealthcare.com, or visit the Contact page for other ways to get in touch.
Book a ConsultationMost patients are offered an appointment within a week of getting in touch.
In many cases you do not need a GP referral and can arrange a consultation directly. Some private medical insurers require a GP referral, whereas self-paying patients often do not. If you're unsure, please get in touch and we'll be happy to advise.
Yes. Every consultation, operation and follow-up is carried out by Mr Harrison himself.
You don't need to bring anything specific with you. Mr Harrison can usually access or arrange to obtain your medical records and scans in advance. If you've been given your scans on a CD, it's helpful to bring this along, together with a list of your current medications if available. Anything else that's needed can usually be arranged for you.
Absolutely. It is entirely reasonable to seek a second opinion, particularly when you're facing an important diagnosis or treatment decision. Mr Harrison can review your scans, investigations and any treatment that has been recommended, explain the available options and give you an independent opinion. Sometimes this provides an alternative approach; just as importantly, it may reassure you that the treatment already recommended is the right one.
Not necessarily. In many cases, the scans and investigations you have already had will provide enough information to discuss your diagnosis and the next steps at your first consultation. If anything further is needed, Mr Harrison will explain why and arrange the appropriate tests for you, avoiding unnecessary investigations wherever possible.
If surgery is recommended, you shouldn't have to wait unnecessarily. For urgent conditions, including suspected or confirmed lung cancer, we aim to arrange surgery within around two weeks. Non-urgent operations can usually be arranged within two to four weeks, depending on theatre and anaesthetic availability and whether any further investigations are needed beforehand. Mr Harrison personally coordinates each stage of the process and will discuss the likely timing with you from the outset.
It's completely understandable to be concerned about pain after lung surgery. Modern minimally invasive techniques and advances in pain relief have made recovery considerably more comfortable than many patients expect. Some discomfort is normal, particularly during the first few days, but this is carefully managed and usually improves steadily as you recover. Mr Harrison and the hospital team will work with you to ensure your pain is well controlled both in hospital and after you return home.
For most robotic or VATS lung operations, patients typically spend one to three nights in hospital, although this varies depending on the operation and your individual recovery. Chest wall and hyperhidrosis procedures can often be performed as day-case surgery. From the outset, the aim is to support a safe, comfortable recovery and help you return home as soon as you are ready.
Read our recovery guideThis depends on the operation you've had and how quickly you recover. Walking and gentle activity are encouraged early, with exercise gradually increased as you feel stronger. Returning to driving and work varies according to the procedure, your occupation and your recovery, while flying may require additional consideration after chest surgery. You'll be given clear, individual advice before leaving hospital and at your follow-up appointment.
See driving, work and flying guidanceGoing home doesn't mean the end of your care. Before leaving hospital, you'll receive clear advice about medications, wound care, activity and what to expect during your recovery. Mr Harrison will arrange your follow-up, review any outstanding results and remain responsible for your care as you recover. You'll also know who to contact if you have any concerns once you're home.
You'll never be left wondering who to contact. Before you leave hospital, you'll be given clear information about who to call if you have any concerns. Mr Harrison and his team remain available throughout your recovery, and if something needs reviewing, appropriate advice or assessment can be arranged promptly.
Yes. Telephone consultations are available on request and can be particularly convenient for patients travelling from further afield or for certain follow-up appointments. Some conditions are better assessed in person, particularly where a physical examination is important, such as chest wall problems. If you're unsure which appointment is right for you, please get in touch and we'll be happy to advise.
Yes. Patients who live outside the UK are welcome to arrange an in-person consultation while in the UK. However, for professional indemnity reasons, remote consultations by telephone or video are only available when the patient is physically present in the UK at the time of the consultation.