The well-known television GP from Kent made a 180-mile trip from his home in order to undertake a second hip replacement at a hospital in Birmingham.
Now, he is speaking out about his own surgery to show others awaiting treatment that they can also bypass long waiting lists.
To do this, he took advantage of NHS Patient Choice after discovering a hospital that had almost no waiting list.
Patient choice in the NHS provides patients with a legal right to choose where they receive their NHS healthcare services.
GMB star Dr Hilary Jones travels 360 miles to bypass NHS waiting list
Speaking after his procedure at Practice Plus Group’s new hospital in Birmingham, Doctor Hilary Jones 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 GMB and Lorraine star added: “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 who looked after me was amazing and couldn’t have done any more. I am delighted with the result so far.”
This comes after a poll of some 1000 adults showed that people awaiting NHS treatment would be willing to travel if it meant they could get what they need sooner.
On average, respondents were happy to travel 60 miles if it meant they’d be seen within three to four weeks, or 49 miles for a six-to-eight-week timeframe.
Around one in 10 said they would even travel over 200 miles if they could get the NHS surgery they need within a month.
Data also found that 55% of Brits had no idea that under NHS Patient Choice, they can choose to travel to a hospital outside of their area.
The research, which was commissioned by Practice Plus Group hospitals, which treat NHS patients as well as those who choose their Wellsoon private healthcare option, revealed that 35% would consider travelling more than 90 minutes if it meant saving £200 or more on the cost of paying for a hip or knee replacement.
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.
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“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.”
