A pilot project to send patients abroad for operations is being expanded across England and Wales.

A total of 50 patients from West Sussex were among dozens in the South to take part in the original scheme.

Health bosses hope having some patients treated abroad will help cut waiting lists.

But they warned the scheme was only a short-term measure and the main emphasis would be on developing ways for patients to be treated in the UK.

The Department of Health is contacting Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to indicate that sending people abroad is an option.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City PCT said it was too early to say whether it would take up the offer.

She said: "We have not been given any extra funding and no decision has been made.

"Our focus is to usually try to keep people in this country for treatment.

"We have had a few inquiries from people interested in going abroad but everything is still at a very early stage."

The pilot project aimed to cut lengthy waiting times for patients needing hip, knee and cataract operations.

Patients from Shoreham, Worthing and Mid Sussex were selected to go to hospitals in France and Germany over a period of three months from February.

The first three were Mary Lumb, Joyce Hewitt and Joyce Marples, all from the Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill areas.

West Sussex was picked as a pilot site because it had one of the worst records in England for long waiting lists.

East Kent, East Surrey and Portsmouth were the other pilot areas.

An official report judging the success of the experiment is due in the next two months.

It is expected to show patients were satisfied with their care and treatment while abroad.

Health Secretary Alan Milburn said only a small number of patients would be sent abroad for treatment and his main commitment wasto expand services in England and Wales.