Brummy tuck

The tummy-tuck capital of the UK was revealed yesterday – as south BIRMINGHAM.

A whopping 219 patients underwent the controversial procedure on the NHS in the last three years – which can cost up to £6,500 privately.

The former South Birmingham Primary Care Trust (PCT) area – which includes affluent Edgbaston and the University of Birmingham – saw over three times as many tummy tucks as its nearest neighbour.

Surgeons in the area performed the operation – called an abdominoplasty – 52 times from April 2012 to April 2013.

It was carried out 83 times during 2011 to 2012 and 84 times in 2010 to 2011.

News of the figures sparked concerns that NHS cash was being spent on cosmetic procedures in favour of other vital surgeries.

Edgbaston Conservative Councillor Deirdre Alden expressed fears of the impact on hospital waiting lists.

She said: “With so many other calls on their money, I am surprised that this kind of surgery is rated as a priority.

“I hope no-one with a painful condition is currently on a waiting list for surgery, as it would be very upsetting for them to know that what is basically a cosmetic procedure is being carried out for some people while others are waiting for pain relieving surgery.”

Taxpayers’ Alliance chief exec Matthew Sinclair  has also criticised NHS cash being used in this way.

He said: “Surgery should be based on medical need and not undertaken at taxpayers’ expense for purely cosmetic reasons. It’s vital the NHS cuts out wasteful spending so treatment is based on what someone needs rather than what trusts can afford. “