South Essex patients have been shipped out to London hospitals for minor operations in an effort to slash NHS waiting lists in Southend.
Patients who had been waiting six months for orthopaedic surgery at Southend Hospital were given the alternative of having their operation at another hospital with shorter waiting times.
Over a period of five months, 134 patients from Southend, Castle Point and Rochford took up the opportunity.
Christine Phillips, choice project director for Essex, based at Southend Primary Care Trust, said: "Southend Hospital, like all hospitals in Essex, has long waiting times for orthopaedic surgery.
"We are really pleased with the result which proves that people want to be given choice when it comes to how, when and where they have their surgery."
Brenda O'Brien, 62, of Ely Way, Rayleigh, had hip replacement surgery at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in north London.
She said: "It was a great idea. It meant I could have my operation quicker. I just wanted to get it over and done with."
Published Wednesday April 7, 2004
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