A PENSIONER who borrowed more than £7,000 to pay for a hip operation abroad after being told she was too overweight to be treated on the NHS is trying to claim the money back.

A PENSIONER who borrowed more than £7,000 to pay for a hip operation abroad after being told she was too overweight to be treated on the NHS is trying to claim the money back.

Former Bartlet Hospital canteen worker Moira Ryan, 69, from Felixstowe, flew to Malta with her son for the successful hip replacement.

The total bill for their trip, including hospital costs, flights and accommodation, was £7,200 - and now she wants Suffolk Primary Care Trust to foot the bill.

The PCT had refused her treatment because of its policy of not providing surgery to most people with a body mass index of more than 35 unless they go through a weight-loss plan.

Mrs Ryan said: “I had gone to Ipswich Hospital for an appointment and was told I needed a new hip but was just put on hold after that, they would just not commit themselves.

“The NHS kept putting me off, telling me to lose weight. I am obese, but I paid my taxes all my life and feel let down badly. I am very, very disappointed - I had to turn to the banks to get a loan and I now hope to get my money back from the primary care trust.”

A Suffolk Primary Care Trust spokesman said: “The PCT hasn't received any contact from Mrs Ryan about a claim for costs, but is sympathetic of her situation and would be happy to discuss the matter with her if she makes contact.”

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