Patient's cross-channel operation

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/suffolk/6736839.stm

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A pensioner spent £13,000 on operations in a French hospital to avoid waiting almost a year for NHS treatment.

Barbara Spalding, 69, from Suffolk, had a 10-month wait to have both her knee joints replaced at Ipswich Hospital.

Mrs Spalding, who suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis, was quoted up to £24,000 for private treatment in the UK so decided to look abroad instead.

The pensioner, of Great Finborough, near Stowmarket, was treated a week after contacting the French clinic.

"I felt so frustrated that I couldn't have it done on the NHS for so long that I decided to contact a French clinic," the retired teacher said.

It was marvellous but I felt let down because the NHS doesn't have enough money Barbara Spalding

"They told me they could fit me in the week after I called. They picked me up from my door and took me there.

"It was marvellous but I felt let down because the NHS doesn't have enough money."

Mrs Spalding, who had the two operations in September 2005 and 2006, added: "I've almost forgotten the pain now, but it was terrible. Now I feel 10 years younger and can walk for miles."

A Suffolk Primary Care Trust spokeswoman said: "Cutting down on the amount of time people have to wait for any treatment is one of our top priorities.

"The lady concerned in this case exercised her right to seek treatment abroad."