ITV’s Dr Hilary Jones was able to get his hip replacement ‘very quickly’ – and is telling others to do the same.Lauren Haughey, Steve Richmond and Rachel Cronin Trainee Trends Writer
11:28, 15 Jul 2025
The doctor has shared a hack to skip long NHS wait lists(Image: Peter Dazeley/Getty Images )
Dr Hilary Jones has shared a method to to avoid local NHS waiting lists after his second hip replacement. The Lorraine and Good Morning Britain star travelled 180 miles to have the operation in Birmingham.
The doctor is now speaking out about his operation to show others on long waitlists that they can skip the queues if they are willing to travel for their treatment. The 72-year-old used the service NHS Patient Choice after identifying a hospital with virtually no waiting list in the Midlands.
This service grants people the right to select where they access their NHS healthcare provision, including hospitals and alternative providers, reported Liverpool Echo.
It also features 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 ITV doctor just underwent surgery for a second hip replacement(Image: Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage via Getty Images)
“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.”
It comes as a crucial survey of 1,000 adults suffering from chronic aches and pains was released, including those in need of hip and knee replacements. The survey revealed that many patients awaiting NHS procedures would be prepared to journey further afield if it guaranteed swifter access to their surgery.
Responders to the survey 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 per cent were currently on a waiting list and 17 per cent have been in the queue for more than a year.
Yet, around 55 per cent 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.
A staggering 88 per cent of those questioned by OnePoll believe the option to choose your hospital should be promoted more widely.
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.”
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