As a teacher, I expect to feel exhausted by the end of a long term. It’s part of the job. But this time, something felt different.
Since October, I’d had a lingering cold that refused to shift, followed by a nasty bout of norovirus. I brushed it off as winter bugs, but by January, I started noticing other changes. My skin was drier than usual, my hair felt brittle, and even my hairdresser pointed that out to me.
At the same time, I was teaching a module on nutrients to my GCSE students, which got me thinking. Was my new diet affecting my health? I’d cut out most carbs red meats and was on a calorie-restricted plan, so it made sense to check whether I was getting all the vitamins and minerals I needed.
My Frustrating NHS Experience
I decided to visit my GP and asked if I could have a blood test to check my vitamin levels. It seemed like a reasonable request, given my symptoms.
Instead, I was told I couldn’t book a blood test directly and would need a GP appointment first to determine if one was necessary. Due to my working hours, I had to wait a week for an out-of-hours appointment, with a different GO at a different practice fifteen minutes away. The doctor did agreed to the blood test, but I then had to call my regular practice to book it separately.
What followed was another week of battling phone queues, with specific call windows and limited slots. When I finally had the test another few weeks later the nurse was lovely, but had very limited time to explain what was actually being tested and what the follow up would be. With three vials of blood taken, I assumed it was a thorough check.
A week later, I had heard nothing back, so I logged into the NHS app. My results were there, but only a handful of tests had been done, and some results were low or ambiguous. The results aren’t presented in the most user friendly way, and I found myself googling what things meant to try and decipher the results for myself. Concerned, I rang my GP surgery, only to be told:
“If there was an issue, you’d have received a call.”
I explained that I still felt unwell in myself and wanted to discuss the results. They then said that it could take a while for a GP to review my results and get in touch. After much back and forth, I managed to get another GP appointment, again with a different doctor and a while later. This time, the GP was brilliant. They immediately ordered more tests, including checking my iron levels, and took the time to take blood samples there and then.
Another week later, my results were back. My iron was low, which could explain a lot of my symptoms. However, there was no follow-up call, so I had to chase again to get a prescription for iron tablets. This was dispensed without the need for a face to face appointment but it still took a while. They also noted that my vitamin B12 levels weren’t quite low enough to warrant treatment, despite the fact I’d been supplementing for months and it was still “borderline.”
By this point, I was eight weeks into the process and still didn’t feel much closer to getting real answers. Frustrated, I booked a private vitamin B12 injection just to see if it would make a difference.
A Totally Different Experience with Private Healthcare
Around this time, I was invited to try out a Health and Wellness Checkup at The Vesey Clinic in Sutton Coldfield. The timing couldn’t have been better. I was keen to get a more in-depth picture of my health, and this checkup promised exactly that.
The difference between this experience and my NHS journey was night and day.
Booking was effortless. I could see all available appointment slots online, with morning and evening options. I booked within minutes and secured a convenient appointment within a week.
The appointment itself was relaxed and informative. It lasted about 30 minutes, and the nurse was fantastic. She explained everything clearly, went through exactly what would be tested, and took the time to discuss my concerns.
Follow-up was fast and thorough. Within 48 hours, I received a personal call with my results. Unlike the NHS system, where results just sit in an app with no context, this time, a doctor actually talked me through every detail.
The Vesey Clinic Health Check covered a full range of tests, including:
• Lifestyle assessment, including BMI, body fat percentage, visceral fat, and blood pressure.
• A Kardia ECG screening.
• A venous blood draw covering:
• Full blood count
• Heart health (cholesterol levels, triglycerides)
• Liver and kidney function
• Bone health markers
• Diabetes screening (glucose and HbA1c)
• Iron levels
• Nutritional health (folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin D)
The results gave me a complete overview of my health. My B12 was now high, likely from my recent injection, but my iron was still low, confirming I needed to continue supplementation. Too early to tell if the tablets I’m taking are having an impact. The tests also reassured me that my liver function, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels were all normal.
What I’ve Changed Since
Since getting my results, I have continued to take iron tablets on prescription and have adjusted my diet to include more iron-rich foods alongside vitamin C to aid absorption, following doctor advice. I’ve also found over-the-counter supplements that target the areas I want to improve, which, alongside tweaks to my diet, should help. I already feel miles better and will certainly follow up in a few months to get tested again.
While the medical advice itself didn’t necessarily differ between the NHS and the private provider, it was the experience and efficiency that made all the difference.
Is Private Healthcare Worth It?
This experience has completely changed my perspective on private healthcare. I always thought it was expensive and something I couldn’t afford unless I went through insurance. I also thought it would be more hassle than the NHS. But when I worked out how much time I wasted going back and forth to my GP and still getting no clarity, I realised that the convenience and availability alone hold huge value.
Spending £99 to get everything tested in one go is brilliant value for money. This promotional offer is great value for money. I certainly recommend this to anyone with any niggling doubts about their health, going through lifestyle changes, or just needing some reassurance. Now that I’ve had this positive experience, I’m going to look into medical insurance, as well as the different packages The Vesey Clinic offers for families.
We aren’t often poorly enough to need a GP, but if the time comes, it’s reassuring to know there’s availability when you need it.
Looking Ahead
I also want to explore other private tests, particularly food allergy and intolerance screening. I have a feeling I’m sensitive to certain foods, like other members of my family but it’s something I’ve never had tested before. After researching different providers, I feel that The Vesey Clinic offers these as stand-alone appointments, which removes the pressure of expensive long-term commitments.
It’s reassuring to know that accessible, flexible healthcare options are out there. I’ll definitely be booking in again.
This post is part of a collaboration with the Vesey but all views and opinions expressed are my own