Derek back bowling

Derek, 78, from Bexhill, was forced to give up his favourite past time due to agonising pain in his right hip and was unable to walk more than a few hundred yards.

Now, following a complete hip replacement at the Horder Centre in Crowborough, he is not only bowling again but even dancing regularly with his wife.

Derek, who spent four days at the hospital, said: "I had to give up bowls and other simple recreational activities because they were just too painful.

"I was offered the choice of three hospitals by my GP and on his recommendation chose The Horder Centre. Following my operation I lost the pain from the joint immediately, and was surprised how small the incision was.

There was no overnight wait which made life easier and I was also able to benefit from a single room which, because of the peace and quiet, hastened my recovery.

"After eight weeks or so I could play bowls again and have a reasonably normal life. My wife and I have also started dancing regularly again. It's made such a difference. Thanks to all the staff at The Horder Centre."

90% of patients at the 59-bed Horder Centre, a registered charity which handles 400 operative procedures a month, are referred through the NHS.

Through the Government's Free Choice initiative, people can opt to be treated at the Horder Centre, which also now treats patients with back, knee, ankle and shoulder problems as well as hip and knee replacements.

Horder Centre Chief Executive Diane Thomas said: "We are thrilled Mr Rowe and many of our other patients like him are rediscovering their independence and have been able to come to the Horder Centre for treatment.

"The Free Choice initiative is allowing NHS patients to choose to be treated at the Horder Centre, which is making it more of a local hospital."