Good Morning Britain and Lorraine star Dr Hilary Jones has gone to extraordinary lengths for an operation to avoid local NHS waiting lists. The GP, from Kent, travelled 180 miles to undergo a second hip replacement in Birmingham before heading 180 miles back home again.
Now, he’s speaking out about his own procedure to show others awaiting treatment that they, too, can accelerate their care if they are happy to travel further afield. The 72-year-old used NHS Patient Choice after identifying a hospital with virtually no waiting list in the Midlands.
This service within the NHS grants people a statutory right to select where they access their NHS healthcare provision, including hospitals and alternative providers. It also encompasses numerous private facilities, provided they deliver services to the NHS that cost no more than a standard referral to other NHS hospitals.
Discussing his procedure at Practice Plus Group’s new hospital in Birmingham, Dr Hilary said: “It was 180 miles from my home to Birmingham – but as it’s a new hospital and it’s a private hospital that treats NHS patients, they could get me in very quickly just with a referral from my GP.
“I’d do it again in a heartbeat for faster, quality care and highly recommend it. Patient Choice gives people real power – they just need to know it’s there.
“The NHS App is going to be developed further to make this easier, and you can speak to your GP about your choices. You can choose to be referred to a private hospital at the outset, or you can switch hospitals like I did if you’re facing delays locally.
“It’s free for the patient and costs the NHS no more than if that same patient had their op at an NHS hospital. For people like me, who are lucky enough to be mobile despite needing an operation, it makes complete sense to find a hospital that can do your operation sooner so you can get on the road to recovery sooner.
“People don’t want to be on a waiting list. They want to get on with their lives. Every single person that looked after me was amazing and couldn’t have done any more. I am delighted with the result so far.”
Dr Hilary’s comments follow a crucial survey of 1,000 adults suffering from chronic aches and pains, including those in need of hip and knee replacements. It revealed that many patients awaiting NHS procedures would be prepared to journey considerable distances if it guaranteed swifter access to their much-needed surgery.
Participants said they would happily travel an average of 60 miles if treatment could be secured within three to four weeks, or 49 miles for a timeframe between six and eight weeks.
However, one in 10 even declared they would venture over 200 miles if NHS surgery could be arranged within a month. Of those surveyed, 36% were currently on a waiting list and 17% have been in the queue for more than a year.
Yet, around 55% were unaware that NHS Patient Choice allows them to seek treatment at hospitals beyond their local area, potentially reducing wait times by opting for private hospitals that also serve NHS patients.
An overwhelming 88% of those questioned by OnePoll therefore believe the option to choose your hospital should be promoted more widely. The research was commissioned by Commissioned by Practice Plus Group hospital.
In light of this, Jim Easton, chief executive, said: “It’s fantastic for patients that in the NHS 10 year plan, the government has renewed its commitment to using capacity in the private sector and to creating a new patient choice charter to ensure the NHS is receptive and reactive to patient preferences.
“To achieve the ambitious waiting time targets, we also need more people to know that they can travel outside of their immediate area if they find a hospital that can see them sooner.
“It is important people realise they have the power to be proactive and get their treatment sooner, get back to work and back on track as soon as possible.
“Dr Hilary found this at our Birmingham hospital, which currently can see people in a few short weeks. We’re proud to have been able to help him and wish him a speedy and healthy recovery.”