ABSTRACT
For the private consultant there are essentially three main options as to where to practise privately: in rooms provided in a private or National Health Service (NHS) hospital; in 'dedicated' consulting rooms; or in a part of his own home. There are several advantages to practising in a private hospital. The standard of accommodation is usually very good, and the rental or lease may include the use of skilled ancillary staff—receptionists, secretaries and nurses—and usually includes most of the basic furniture and equipment. Use of rooms in NHS hospitals requires formal approval by the hospital authorities. With the advent of NHS Trusts it seems likely that there will be increasing availability of rooms for hire by consultants acting in a private capacity. The use of such rooms may offer the easiest and best way of practising privately but it is often also the most expensive.
