Craig Chaur, 53, from Sharples, said he felt “let down” after being told his surgery would not go ahead, leaving him uncertain about when a new date would be offered.
He is one of many Bolton residents who were told at the last minute that their operations had been cancelled due to a funding issue.
Runner driver Craig, who works for a utility company, said he has spent his adult life paying tax and National Insurance.
“I’ve been fortunate to always have a job and have paid into the system,” he told The Bolton News.
The vast majority of public NHS funding comes from general taxation and National Insurance contributions.
Craig said he had generally been healthy, but around three years ago began to experience persistent pain in his shoulder.
After an MRI scan, his NHS healthcare provider recommended rotator cuff surgery.
He was given the choice of having the operation at Bolton Royal Hospital or, as an NHS patient, at The Beaumont Private Hospital in Lostock.
NHS patients can be referred to private hospitals to help reduce long waiting lists, particularly for elective procedures, under the right to choose.
After hearing positive reviews, Craig opted for treatment at The Beaumont.
Within four months, his operation was scheduled for November 11, 2025, within the NHS Constitution standard that 92 per cent of patients should wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to first treatment.
The first operation date was pushed back by a month due to theatre delays at The Beaumont.
Craig said he understood the situation and prepared for a new surgery date on December 11, 2025.
Just a week before the rearranged date, Craig said he received a phone call informing him the operation had been cancelled again, this time with no new date offered.
He said The Beaumont told him the cancellation was due to a “funding cut” by NHS Greater Manchester.
“The Beaumont were very apologetic but said they didn’t know at that stage when the funding would be made available,” Craig said.
“I was frustrated because if I’d know this would happen from the start, I would have just stayed with Bolton Hospital.”
Craig said he was told there would be more clarity in April 2026, leaving him facing months of uncertainty.
Feeling left in limbo, he became increasingly concerned that a long delay could cause lasting damage.
“I was in pain and discomfort; it was like having constant toothache in my shoulder,” he said.
“I didn’t know when I was going to get a new date for the operation.
“I was also concerned that if I did get another date, would it just get cancelled due to funding again?
“Do I put my life on hold to wait and wait and wait?
“I just couldn’t take that chance.”
Craig made the difficult decision to pay £5,627.50 to have the surgery carried out privately at The Beaumont in December, on the same day he would originally have had his NHS operation, with the same consultant.
He was able to spread the cost over 10 months interest free and now pays £562.75 a month.
“I’m really upset about it,” he said.
“I feel let down and I don’t think it’s fair.”
Despite his frustration, Craig was keen to praise the hospital staff who cared for him.
“I can’t emphasise enough that the treatment I received at The Beaumont was excellent,” he said.
“Everyone, from the reception, porter, anaesthetists, the surgeon and the physio, they were all really nice.”
Craig’s experience of a delayed surgery is one of many reported in Bolton.
In early December, an elderly resident contacted The Bolton News after reportedly waiting more than a year for a hip replacement, only to be told at the last minute their operation had been “paused” due to funding changes until April 2026.
Since then, nearly 20 residents, including Craig, have come forward describing long waits, last-minute cancellations and no rescheduled dates, saying they are struggling with “pain and uncertainty”.
NHS Greater Manchester says recent changes to national funding and contract rules for elective care mean “some treatments” in independent hospitals are temporarily paused while resources are focused on patients with the greatest clinical need.
When first contacted on December 11, a spokesperson for NHS Greater Manchester said: “We are sorry to hear about the difficulties experienced by patients while waiting for planned surgery.
“While we cannot comment on individual cases, NHS Greater Manchester carefully manages elective care to prioritise patients with the greatest clinical need and those who have been waiting longest.
“Recent changes to national funding mean some treatments in independent hospitals are temporarily paused for some patients while we focus resources where they are most needed.
“We are working closely with all providers to manage waiting lists safely and reduce delays wherever possible, and we remain committed to supporting patients and families.
“We also encourage patients and families to share any feedback or concerns with NHS services.”
As the story has developed, NHS Greater Manchester has provided additional comment.
Katherine Sheerin, chief healthcare commissioning officer at NHS Greater Manchester, told The Bolton News on January 13: “We recognise how worrying it can be for patients when planned appointments or surgery are affected.
“While we cannot comment on individual cases, planned care should be postponed rather than cancelled, and patients whose appointments are affected should be contacted directly with updated information.”
A spokesperson for The Beaumont Hospital said: “We fully recognise the distress and uncertainty this temporary pause has caused for some NHS-funded patients.
“Patient safety and supporting those impacted is our number one priority.
“NHS patients who have exercised their right to choose The Beaumont Hospital for their NHS care remain under appropriate clinical oversight and will not be left facing uncertainty while we work to resolve this issue.
“We are working closely and constructively with NHS Greater Manchester to secure a sustainable, long-term funding solution that restores timely access to NHS-funded treatment for patients.”
Have you been affected by NHS surgery delays in Bolton like Gary? Share your story with grace.williams@newsquest.co.uk