Proposals to send Sussex patients abroad for treatment to cut waiting lists has been given a cautious welcome by doctors' leaders.

West Sussex Health Authority is working on one of three pilot projects which could lead to patients who have been waiting a long time for treatment being given the choice of going to Europe instead.

A number of sites, mainly teaching hospitals, have already been identified in France and Germany and the Government is working on a generic contract that will be the basis of deals with hospitals in Europe.

The health authority is hoping to be able to start sending the first patients over by next April.

Dr Ian Bogle, chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) council, welcomed the developments but warned they should only be used as a short term measure.

He said: "Patients might go abroad and see a different world of healthcare where hospitals are clean, food is edible and they are treated like a human being.

"People will see a different service. We have got to aspire to get that service to the same level here.

"This has got to be accounted for by significant and increased funding to make it work. The aim in the long term must be that our own health service is sufficient."