Simon

Jan 11, 2025

A mixed review

Nuffield Leeds is wonderful if you don't like crowded NHS hospitals. I saw only 3 other patients in the spacious waiting room on one visit and none on another visit. They must be busy though, because it takes at least 5 to 10 minutes to get through on the phone. As a self-funder, I was first asked for payment. The consultant was booked and I later went for a MRI. I wanted a second opinion on the result, so asked for a copy of the radiologist's Report. Nuffield promised to send it on completion of a Subject Access Request (SAR), but didn't deliver. When I complained, it claimed my consultant had to authorise the Report's release because they own it. Whether or not a report is the consultant's property is irrelevant: a SAR entitles people to a copy of their data. Nobody's permission is needed. Nuffield and its consultant either don't understand the law or want to deter patients from going elsewhere for a second opinion. Such resistance to giving us our data was abandoned by the NHS years ago. After 3 difficult phone calls and several emails, I got my Report. If you think going private entitles you to a stress-free process, think again.