WAITING list-busting private operations for NHS patients have got under way - more than two months late.

Outpatients for orthopaedic and general surgery can now choose to have their appointments at private hospitals in Chorley, Preston or Gisburn, under a five-year, multi-million pound deal with healthcare giant Capio.

The move is designed to help the NHS meet its target of an 18-week maximum from GP referral to treatment, and patients can be treated at any of Capio's hospitals across Lancashire and Cumbria.

The main three for East Lancashire will be Euxton Hall Hospital, near Chorley, Fulwood Hall, Preston, and Abbey Gisburn Hospital.

The scheme wasdue to launch in August, but wrangling over the contract delayed imple-mentation.

Critics will be watching the scheme closely - there are concerns that the treatments will be more expensive under the private provider, taking money from the NHS.

Fears have also been raised that GPs could be put under pressure to reduce referrals at busy times to help keep within targets.

But health bosses said the move was good news for patients, ensuring choice, fast treatment and top quality care.

A spokesman said: "This initiative is in line with the government's policies to improve patient choice and also to ensure that patients wait no longer than a maximum of 18 weeks from GP referral to treatment.

"The treatment by Capio, for NHS patients, will of course be free of charge to the patient. The NHS will be charged on a "pay as you use" basis, so that it will only be charged for the procedures that Capio performs on its behalf.

"The quality of care patients receive from Capio will be subject to the same quality stand-ards that apply to all other NHS care, and the Department of Health will closely monitor Capio's performance so that safe and clinically effective services are provided."