With 7,000 specialists acting across 67 disciplines in the UK, many veer towards London to progress their careers. Once you have specialised in something like gastro, pediatrics or ENT, you start thinking about where to practice and how you do it.
Many consultants choose to combine NHS work with private practice, while others focus mainly on private patients. The city’s large population, strong private healthcare market and international reputation make it an attractive place to practise across many specialties.
How Specialists Work Across Clinics and Hospitals
One common model is to work with private hospitals on set days each week. A specialist might attend one hospital on Mondays and Wednesdays, and another clinic on Fridays. These hospitals usually provide consulting rooms, equipment and clinical support.
There is often a dedicated receptionist or bookings team who manage appointments, payments and patient enquiries. This allows the specialist to focus on clinical work rather than administration.
Hospitals also promote consultants through their own websites. Patients searching for a gastroenterologist, urologist or ENT surgeon like Ryan Cheong can easily find profiles, availability and contact details. This visibility helps build trust and can generate a steady flow of referrals, especially from GPs and insurers.
Working with hospitals offers structure and support. You benefit from established systems, trusted branding and lower personal risk. Administration is handled for you, and patient flow is often consistent. However, fees are shared with the hospital, and there is less control over scheduling and pricing.
Should You Run Your Own Clinic as a Specialist?
Another option is to open your own clinic. This can be done alone or with other specialists. Having your own clinic, like Axel Sahoveler gives more control over branding, appointment length and patient experience. You can employ a receptionist to manage bookings and patient communication, creating a professional front while keeping daily operations smooth.
Specialists with their own clinic often create a website to attract patients directly. A clear website explaining conditions, treatments and fees can help patients feel informed and confident. In London, where competition is high, online presence plays a big role in growing a private practice.
Running your own clinic offers autonomy and higher earning potential per patient. You control how you practise and how your service is presented. The downside is responsibility. You must manage costs, staffing and marketing. It can take time to build patient numbers, especially at the start.
How Specialists Can Combine Working in Hospitals and Their Own Clinics
Many specialists choose a mixed model. They work in hospitals part of the week and see patients in their own clinic on other days. This balances stability and independence. Hospitals provide reliable referrals and infrastructure, while a private clinic allows long term business growth.
According to NHS Digital, around 55% of consultants in England undertake some form of private practice alongside NHS work. In London, this figure is higher due to demand and higher private insurance coverage. Around 13% of the UK population now has private medical insurance, with London being the strongest market.
Which Medical Specialties Are in Most in Demand?
London supports a wide range of specialist industries. Gastroenterologists are in high demand due to digestive conditions and screening services. ENT specialists cover areas such as hearing loss, sinus issues and snoring treatments.
Voice specialists often work with performers and professionals who rely on vocal health. Urologists manage both routine and complex conditions, while many other specialties thrive due to the city’s size and diversity.
Practising as a specialist in London allows flexibility, variety and growth. Whether through hospitals, your own clinic or a mix of both, specialists can shape a career that suits their goals while meeting strong patient demand across many fields.