Patients give their verdict
Lynette Johnson, 43, City worker from Brentford
Complaint: bad knee. Faced four-hour wait at West Middlesex Hospital
Treatment: physiotherapy, cost £29
Says: "I've been relying on West Middlesex Hospital. It's a good service but doesn't fit in with my working hours. It's difficult to take time off work and that's the thing that concerns me most. This is perfect because I can come in the morning before work or in the evening. I will definitely use it again."
Jan Gilbert, 42, local authority worker from Greenford
Complaint: sciatica. Two day wait for GP
Treatment: physiotherapy and painkillers, cost: £33.50
Says: "I couldn't get an appointment today or tomorrow at my GPs. I've been in so much pain I couldn't wait any longer. This is a lot better if you don't have time to wait around in casualty, where often it isn't a very pleasant place. I have been there with my children and seen drunks."
Michele Brandligt, 42, fitness worker from Ealing
Complaint: badly cut finger. Couldn't face wait at NHS A&E
Treatment: small dressing, cost: £49
Says: "I can't be bothered to sit in casualty for hours. I wanted it sorted straight away. Last time I used the NHS I had a sprained wrist. I had to wait at Slough Hospital for nearly two hours and left because I couldn't wait any longer. I'd rather pay for this than wait ages when I should be working."
Jesse Thobela, 44, social services worker from Birmingham
Complaint: gallstones. Told it would be a six-month wait at NHS hospital Treatment: ultrasound, cost: £29
Says: "I have been in severe pain with gallstones. I saw my GP and he told me it would take six months to see a consultant. I came here and they told me they will phone me tomorrow with the cost and I will see a consultant in the next few weeks. A service like this can help the NHS and GPs. I am happy to pay as the surgery is quite urgent."
Eleanor Jones, 38, Ealing teacher
Complaint: cut on hand
Treatment: antibiotics, cost £35
Says: "It's very quick, easy and convenient. With the NHS I wouldn't be a priority so I would have to wait. I heard about this place on the radio, told a friend at work and she said I should come here instead."
Mike Jones, 45, South Harrow painter
Complaint: bowel complaint, won't wait up to four hours at Northwick Park Hospital
Treatment: antibiotics, cost: £34
Says: "The treatment was first class. I was seen within 30 seconds and the doctor was very approachable. It's much quicker than the NHS because they are dealing with a smaller number of clients. I can't fault it."
Vince Clark, 40, Streatham builder
Complaint: badly cut finger, won't wait four hours at St George's Hospital in Tooting
Treatment: dressing, cost £44 Says: "It's quicker for me to come all the way from Tooting and be seen straight away here than go to hospital. I'm happy to pay the money as long as I don't have to wait for hours. I'm a builder and cut my thumb off about five years ago. I had to wait four hours and didn't want a repeat of that."
Marcella Phelan, 38, administrator from Brentford
Complaint: chest infection, couldn't wait
Treatment: antibiotics, cost: £48.37
Says: "The convenience of being able to pop in during my lunch break and not make an appointment is excellent. The doctor was also very good. I think it's a shame that GPs are so busy that it's necessary to use this service. I live nearby and I'd use it again."
Lubna Ali, 21, graduate from Hounslow
Complaint: keeps fainting, won't wait up to three hours at West Middlesex Hospital
Treatment: two blood tests and antibiotics, cost: £73.50
Says: "The service was very good and everything was excellent. The doctor told me what my options were. Waiting two or three hours with the NHS is such a waste of time. You can do so much in that time."
