MY CHANNEL OP
Brit goes to Calais for free knee surgery after 8-month NHS wait
I did all the research myself. It’s like the best-kept secret SERGE ORLOV ON HOW HE DISCOVERED THE OPTION
AN arthritis sufferer who got fed up after waiting eight months for knee surgery is having it done straight away and for free in France.
Serge Orlov, 62, will be operated on in Calais under a little-known arrangement that allows GPs to refer cases there – with the NHS footing the bill.
He had his first consultation at Centre Hospitalier Calais, which is 10 minutes’ drive from the Channel Tunnel exit, three weeks ago.
Retired businessman Serge, from Deal, Kent, acted after reading about the option. He said: “Both my knees are arthritic. I was supposed to get a slot in December but was bumped from the list after eight months’ waiting.
“I decided to go for it in France. I did all the research myself. Nobody told me about it. It’s like the best-kept secret.
“After I emailed they offered me four dates within 10 days. I was speechless.”
Under the deal with Calais, Serge’s bill – including surgery, drugs and accommodation – is paid by NHS England at the standard tariff for his local hospital.
He has to pay for travel but parking is free at the Calais hospital.
Director Martin Trelcat said 150 consultations with Brits have been set up following a marketing blitz. Some 30% of post-op care rooms are empty most days and NHS cases help to pay off debt for the site, built in 2012.
The first to go there was Timothy Brierley, 54, who had a gall bladder removal in 2016 – and had faced a 10-month NHS wait here.
Mr Trelcat said: “This agreement has existed for two years but we had to wait for the NHS crisis to make ourselves known to a broader audience. For French people it’s surprising Britain has waiting lists.”
But Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth said: “Patients deserve better than being forced to cross the Channel.”
Patients need a referral from their GP, who can then email the Calais hospital at calais.hospital@nhs.net