By what I've seen living in London, people with serious complaints get seen first, and thus serious complaints tend to go to the NHS. I had a severe (and possibly deadly) allergic reaction a few years back and was kept under observation all night and met with a specialist within 24 hours.
On the other hand, if your complaint is not life threatening/does not impinge on your quality of life much, it would be best to go private because you'll be waiting for a LONG time. My mother had a painless lump on her finger which somewhat reduced her ability to use that hand; as soon as they realised it wasn't cancer or otherwise a threat, she had to wait several months to be seen. My brother has troubled breathing through his nose, and had to wait almost six months until they gave in and went private.
no subject
On the other hand, if your complaint is not life threatening/does not impinge on your quality of life much, it would be best to go private because you'll be waiting for a LONG time. My mother had a painless lump on her finger which somewhat reduced her ability to use that hand; as soon as they realised it wasn't cancer or otherwise a threat, she had to wait several months to be seen. My brother has troubled breathing through his nose, and had to wait almost six months until they gave in and went private.