"Hernia Repair, told I have to pay"

I've had an umbilical hernia for several years and I have asked three different doctors at the local practice whether I can get it repaired. Each time I have been told that it isn't bad enough, ie not strangulated etc. The first time I saw a doctor I was sent to see a consultant who said I could have it done only if I paid; he could do it the next day if I had £1500!

The comment made by the last doctor I saw gave me a small window into how the NHS/Private system works. He would not refer me to a consultant because he new the consultants wouldn't treat me on the NHS, he said if it were done on the NHS it would be taking away the 'bread and butter work' from the consultant. It made me think that this is some kind of conspiracy to extract money from those who can afford it. OK, I'm not going to die (hopefully), and it not like having a life threatening disease but it is something that could easily lead to a more serious condition.

As far I can see I have to go private to get it done and there is no compromise. I am 59 years old and paid my dues via a long working career and now the NHS has failed me.