Quote Originally Posted by islaydarkblue View Post
One of the problems with the huge backlog of operations in the NHS both in Scotland and the rest of the U.K. is that surgeons and anaesthetists also carry out private health work.
I will explain.
When I had my prostrate operation at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley the surgeon and anaesthetist carrying out my operation were based at the Ross Hall private hospital where they also carried out private operations.
I mentioned to my anaesthetist before my operation that I had noticed that he and my consultant who was also my surgeon were both based at Ross Hall private hospital. He confirmed this.
Patients at Fernbrae Private Hospital used to have their operations in Ninewells Hospital. I assume that Fernbrae Hospital paid the NHS and since 1999 NHS Scotland for the use of the operating theatres at Ninewells Hospital.
A lot of people now have private healthcare which has resulted in people having to wait longer for an operation on the NHS which was happening long before Covid arrived in the U.K. in February 2020.
I had an operation at Fernbrae - was never even mentioned that I could go to Ninewells for it. I've known people to be sent from Ninewells to Fernbrae for ops, I've also know people sent from Ninewells to Foresterhill in Aberdeen or Glasgow Royal Infirmary for specialist treatment and don't see an issue with hospitals sharing specialist facilities between their patients; NHS or not NHS.

Earlier this year I was referred to Albyn in Aberdeen, my surgeon told me that Albyn had been taken over by the NHS during Covid and that he was only doing NHS work. Again, sharing of resources.

Surgeons, Anaesthetists, specialist doctors and nurses etc. do private work to supplement their salaries. I used to do homers to supplement my wages as do many other qualified tradespeople. Why shouldn't someone use the skills and qualifications they've worked hard to attain to supplement their salaries and improve their and their family's lives?