A controversial pilot project to send West Sussex patients abroad for operations on the NHS has finished.

The West Sussex patients were among hundreds across the South to take part in the scheme.

A report into the results of the project is expected to be sent to the Department of Health in a month's time.

If the project is found to be successful then Health Secretary Alan Milburn is expected to agree to send thousands of patients from across England to Europe for treatment.

The aim of the project was to cut lengthy waiting times for patients needing hip, knee and cataract operations.

Almost 50 patients from the Mid Sussex, Shoreham and Worthing area have travelled to hospitals in France and Germany during the last three months.

The first three to go were Mary Lumb, Joyce Hewitt and Joyce Marples who all came from the Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill area.

A project spokesman said: "The feedback appears to have been very positive and people have been happy with their treatment and care while in France or Germany.

"The results are now being analysed and the results are expected in a month's time."

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

East Kent, East Surrey and Portsmouth were the other areas taking part.

The project has been criticised by opposition MPs as a "national humiliation" and they have urged the Government to take advantage of private clinics in England.