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NHS patients choose to travel further for faster surgeries under scheme

The hospital says patients are arriving sooner for routine operations, with average waits of just over 17 weeks from referral to first consultation.

  • Patients are increasingly using the Patient Choice scheme to travel further for faster elective surgeries, helping alleviate record-high waiting lists across England.
  • NHS figures show more than 7.37 million treatments pending across England, affecting 6.24 million patients, with more than 113,000 waiting over a year for routine care.
  • Joy Cullen, a garden centre manager from Redditch, accessed surgery at Practice Plus Group Hospital Birmingham through the scheme, receiving both hip replacements within 12 months.
  • Hospital Director Samantha Doubleday said, "Raising awareness amongst both patients and GPs is vital if we are to help reduce waiting lists," committing to help 2,027 more patients next year.
  • Since opening in October 2024, Practice Plus Group Hospital Birmingham has treated more than 5,600 patients, with approximately 80 per cent of its caseload via NHS-funded pathways.
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56 Articles

dudleynews.co.ukdudleynews.co.uk
+10 Reposted by 10 other sources
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Woman, 67, back at work after avoiding year-long wait for NHS hip surgery

Redditch pensioner Joy Cullen returned to work after two hip replacements in 12 months, using NHS Patient Choice to access faster treatment.

Northampton Chronicle & EchoNorthampton Chronicle & Echo
+44 Reposted by 44 other sources
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NHS patients choose to travel further for faster surgeries under scheme

A pensioner who quit her job after facing a year-long wait for treatment is back at work after having two hip replacements in 12 months.

·Northampton, United Kingdom
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The Scotsman broke the news in Edinburgh, United Kingdom on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
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