Grandad pays for hip replacement abroad after facing years on NHS waiting list

The 61-year-old is one of a number of Scots now opting for private surgery.

Would you swap your dream holiday to pay for a new hip?

That was the dilemma facing a grandfather from East Kilbride, who was in agony with arthritis – and was told he could spend potentially years on an NHS waiting list.

The 61-year-old is one of a number of Scots now opting for private surgery.

As doctors leaders warn we are “sleepwalking into a two tier health system”, statistics show a shift in how people are accessing private treatment.

There’s been a record growth in people using medical insurance.

Others are using savings for care here and aboard.

STV News has been hearing of one patient’s journey back to health.

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