Cross-Channel ferries could be carrying patients seeking treatment from French doctors from April.

The NHS South Kent Coast Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has signed a contract with two providers in France.

The French will be caring for people who need general surgery, gynaecology, cataract surgery, pain management and orthopaedics.

Services will also be provided for those with ear, nose and throat problems.

Centre Hospitalier de Calais is one of the known centres that will accept British patients.

It is less than an hour away, which could beat the amount of time it will take to travel from east Kent to specialised London hospitals via car, or train and the underground.

The accountable officer, Hazel Carpenter, said: “The contracts have now been approved and signed, and we anticipate that the first patients will start to use the service before the end of the financial year.

“Our patient representatives have been to France, as well as CCG GP representatives and tested the practicalities, ensuring that the scheme is viable.

“Feedback has been very positive, and the French providers have listened – improving signage, for example.

“And the hospitals have already ensured that staff have excellent English language skills.” Patients will need to arrange and pay their travel costs, but the care will still be funded under the NHS.

Ms Carpenter confirmed that people would not be forced to go to France, but that the CCG was providing people with an additional choice.

Depending on circumstances, a follow-up appointment could be done over the phone, or through video calling on a computer or smartphone, although some people may need to travel back to France to see their consultant.

The CCG said it would be interested to see how many people went abroad and the feedback it will bring.