GMB's Dr Hilary Jones says 'I'd do it again in a heartbeat' as he updates fans on hospital stay

Wales Online

2 days ago

GMB's Dr Hilary Jones says 'I'd do it again in a heartbeat' as he updates fans on hospital stay
Dr Hilary Jones shared a picture of himself in a hospital bed as he urged people to use private hospitals in order to avoid huge waiting lists for surgery
ITV's Dr Hilary Jones has been recuperating in hospital after journeying 180 miles to receive treatment, thereby bypassing a lengthy waiting list. The 72-year-old television medic is urging others to also consider travelling significant distances if it means avoiding prolonged discomfort while awaiting treatment at a local facility.
Dr Hilary, who has previously spoken about his need for a hip replacement, aims to raise awareness that private medical facilities can be utilised by NHS patients free of charge, potentially expediting their treatment. This lesser-known service could, in turn, alleviate some of the pressure on NHS hospitals.
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The celebrity doctor, known for his appearances on ITV shows such as Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, is highlighting NHS Patient Choice, which he used to locate a hospital with virtually no waiting list for treatment. Patient Choice is an NHS service that allows individuals to search for private facilities, hospitals, and other providers they can access.
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As long as private hospitals offer the same services as the NHS, patients can access them without incurring any charges.
Dr Hilary Jones travelled hundreds of miles to avoid a long NHS waiting list
(Image: Simon Stacpoole/PinPep / SWNS )
Dr Hilary, acting as a spokesperson for Practice Plus Group, took advantage of a new hospital in Birmingham to receive rapid treatment. Discussing his experience, the television personality commented, as reported by the Express: "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," reports the Mirror.
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"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."
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His decision to utilise the facility followed a commission by Practice Plus Group for OnePoll to survey 1,000 adults experiencing chronic discomfort, some seeking surgical remedies.
The TV star avoided a long waiting list to receive a hip replacement
(Image: Simon Stacpoole/PinPep / SWNS )
The study indicated that most would be willing to travel an average distance of 60 miles for treatment if it were available within three to four weeks, or 49 miles for a waiting period of six to eight weeks. Moreover, 10% of respondents stated they would be content to travel in excess of 200 miles if they could secure an NHS surgery within a month.
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Last year, Dr Hilary Jones discussed the impact of his own operation and emphasised the availability of expedited treatment options for the public. His statement on the Practice Plus Group's website conveyed: "I know from my own hip replacement surgery that these 'routine' and 'non-urgent' operations are truly life-changing. Living with pain and not being able to do the things you love is exhausting and debilitating.
"Fast access to surgery, if this is what you need, will help you re-gain your mobility, your fitness and quality of life. It's no surprise therefore that going private has become more and more common since the pandemic and is no longer considered just for the rich. But many people are unaware they can also go to a private hospital as an NHS patient, free of charge, and often sooner than waiting for NHS hospitals."
Dr Hilary has shared how other people can also get treated faster by utilising the NHS Patient Choice service
(Image: Simon Stacpoole/PinPep / SWNS )
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He went on to say: "Under the NHS constitution you have a legal right to choose which hospital to have your NHS treatment in, and this often includes private hospitals. If your GP, physio or other healthcare professional says they're going to refer you to a consultant at a hospital in Birmingham, ask for a list of options so you can compare waiting lists and locations.
"You also have a right to switch from one hospital waiting list to another if you've been waiting for more than 18 weeks for surgery and can travel out of your area. My advice is always to discuss your options with your GP to help you get back to your best as soon as possible."
Good Morning Britain is on ITV1 weekdays at 6am and on ITVX