going private...

[SteveP]

Hi all,

I have a CPAP machine on loan from the NHS, and get masks, regular follow-up visits, and maintenance on my machine. The visits which include the checking of the usage time of my machine seem to be used by the Sleep Clinic as a measure of my treatment compliance. To me for example that would mean that if the DVLA asks again, the Clinic will answer that I am under treatment, therefore I am likely to keep my driver's licence.

How does it work for those of you who have bought your equipment privately? Do you have regular contacts (yearly?) with the Sleep Clinic in any way that would satisfy them that you are compliant?

Do you get replacements masks from the NHS? Some Clinics (Oxford for example) seem to have quite a wide range of masks, with maybe the exception of the very latest that come out on the American market before the UK market.

Just curious....

SteveP

[Joe McManus]

When private, it would be best to establish a relationship with your GP and keep him/her posted every 6 months or so about how great CPAP is working for you.

Most private CPAP users I know rarely set foot in a hospital anymore. Not sure if they still would give you masks (if anywhere, it would be Oxford) I guess it would be nice if they did! Not unthinkable either.

[DBolding]

I went private, with ResMed. My NHS sleep centre still sees me every 6 months, takes machine data and supplies my mask's accessory etc, and will even service my private CPAP machine yearly for me with no cost.

So even though I have my own machine which I chose etc, I still get the benefits from the NHS support, which is quite good where I am now, I have email and phone support as and when I need it outside of my 6month reviews.

[SteveP]

I went private, with ResMed. My NHS sleep centre still sees me every 6 months, takes machine data and supplies my mask's accessory etc, and will even service my private CPAP machine yearly for me with no cost.

So even though I have my own machine which I chose etc, I still get the benefits from the NHS support, which is quite good where I am now, I have email and phone support as and when I need it outside of my 6month reviews.

It would be great if everyone on the Forum who went private would name their NHS sleep centre and indicate what they get from them. That could be very helpful to others - I know, it's again a post code lottery, but there could be many winners....

Thanks in advance to all,

SteveP

[flyinpete]

I have this problem. I could not wait for the delays in getting into Oxford sleep centre, so purchased my own machine.

On my last visit 2 years ago, they gave me a letter telling me thay would not be asking me back as they had no money to cover the costs.

in theory they still suppy masks and spares, but I just buy my own each year.....must try to see what happens.

Also I have two machines and regularily swap between each of them, so to get a full report would meen combining the info off both, and they dont use the same software.

My GP has absolutely no idea aboyt CPAP, and in the 4 years since I was diagnosed has never asked me about it.

Peter

[DBolding]

It would be great if everyone on the Forum who went private would name their NHS sleep centre and indicate what they get from them. That could be very helpful to others - I know, it's again a post code lottery, but there could be many winners....

Thanks in advance to all,

SteveP

Hi Steve

Well Ill start it off then, My Sleep Centre is at Whipps Cross Hospital, in East London. What do I get from them? erm, basically whatever I want. They supply masks, machines, humidifiers, chin straps. Plus great support, always on the end of the telephone if needed, Email support is answered almost instantly and can drop in anyday without an appointment except fridays.

good eh?

[Joe McManus]

Email support is answered almost instantly

Very impressive indeed. You can consider yourself extremely lucky with that sort of service. Make sure each email you send them refers to threads here so they get the message that they can send all their patients here

[Pedigaba]

Going Private -Where are machines available from in UK?

I would like to go private and need to know where I can get a machine from and subsequent supplies.
The one I have is via the NHS and I receive outstanding service and advice from them BUT would like to go solo......

[Joe McManus]

Hi Pedigaba. Have a look at these two links:

http://www.eu-pap.co.uk/cpap-c-2.html

http://www.cpap-europe.com/machines-c-1.html