NHS patients may now choose to be treated at a private Bupa hospital under a Government initiative.

Patients needing general surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, gynaecology, ear, nose and throat, and gastroenterology procedures can be treated by Bupa's Wellesley Hospital, in Eastern Avenue, Southend.

Urology treatments will become available at the private hospital in September.

South East Essex Primary Care Trust has commissioned the 51-bed hospital to provide a range of surgical services as part of the new Choose and Book system.

The system aims to offer patients choice in where and when they receive treatment for their first outpatient appointment in a clinic or hospital.

Through Choose and Book, people are able to choose from at least four hospitals based on reasons such as how quickly they can be seen, how close it is, the reputation of the hospital or recommendation.

Terry Phillips, the trust's deputy director for strategic development and commissioning, said: "We want to offer local patients a wider range of high-quality healthcare choices as possible.

"The national guidelines say we can offer private providers who meet the national NHS criteria, and we believe the Wellesley Hospital will enhance our ability to achieve our aim."

Julie Cushion, business development manager for Bupa, said she was thrilled they would be providing NHS services.

She said: "We can assure patients we offer excellent infection control standards and in-patient en suite facilities in a comfortable and quiet environment."

GPs will explain the options and eligibility to patients.

Choose and Book also aims to reduce worry about a procedure by speeding up the process of booking appointments, with GPs able to book a hospital appointment on-line before a patient leaves their consultation.