Nuffield Health The Holly Hospital is at High Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, IG9 5HX, on the borders of London, Essex and Hertfordshire, close to Buckhurst Hill High Road and Buckhurst Hill station. The main phone number is 020 8505 3311. It’s an award-winning private hospital, part of Nuffield Health, and has served the local community for over 35 years. Outpatient services generally run Monday to Friday 08:00 to 20:00 and Saturday 08:00 to 13:00.

The Holly works with over 200 consultants across most medical specialties. Common areas include orthopaedics and sports injuries, ophthalmology (including cataract surgery), gastroenterology with JAG-accredited endoscopy and colonoscopy, ENT, gynaecology and women’s health, urology, dermatology, general surgery, weight-loss surgery, cancer care and paediatrics (procedures from age three, outpatient appointments for younger children). It also has diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray), physiotherapy, a private GP service and an on-site pharmacy.

Most major UK insurers can cover treatment at The Holly, but only if the hospital is on your policy’s hospital list – which depends on your insurer and cover tier. The Holly is recognised by Bupa, for example. The best way to check is to use your insurer’s hospital finder, or ask them directly, and confirm the hospital is covered before booking. Note that private GP consultations are usually not covered by insurance and are self-funded, though onward diagnostics or specialist referrals may be covered.

It depends on how you’re paying and the specialty. If you’re using private medical insurance, your insurer will usually require a GP referral letter and pre-authorisation before booking. If you’re paying for yourself, you can often book a consultant appointment directly online, though a GP referral is still required for some specialties. The Holly’s own private GP service can also provide referrals and arrange fast access to on-site diagnostics if needed.

Costs are broadly in line with UK private hospitals and depend on the consultant, complexity and what’s included. As a rough guide, a private MRI is around £350 to £900, ultrasound roughly £100 to £350, a colonoscopy about £1,200 to £2,200, knee arthroscopy around £3,000 to £5,000, and hip replacement roughly £11,000 to £16,000. For a fixed-price self-pay quote, contact the hospital directly, as packages bundle hospital and consultant fees. Always get an itemised written quote.

Yes, there’s limited on-site parking for patients and visitors, but it’s Pay and Display with ANPR cameras recording entry and exit, so it isn’t automatically free – check the current rates and any patient concessions when you arrive. There are free drop-off and pick-up bays for up to 30 minutes near the main entrance. Because you may be advised not to drive after surgery, it can help to arrange for someone to bring you. Always confirm parking arrangements with the hospital before your visit.

Much faster than typical NHS waits. The Holly aims to offer private patients a consultant appointment within a few days, and its private GP service can often be booked within about 24 hours. Diagnostic scans such as MRI, CT and ultrasound are usually available within a few days, with minor procedures and surgery scheduled soon after your consultation. Actual timing depends on the consultant and specialty, so confirm availability when you book.