A LISBURN woman is one of the hundreds of people from Northern Ireland who say they have seen their lives change for the better since a London Cosmetic Surgery firm was awarded a plastic surgery contract by the Department of Health with the aim of treating those on the NHS waiting list here.

Vera Magowan, 58, who suffers from Dupuytren's Contracture, attended the BMI McIndoe Surgical Centre, near Gatwick Airport in East Grinstead, this summer to have the tendons in her hand released so that she could straighten her fingers. This has enabled her to do simple, day to day things that the rest of us take for granted such as the washing, lifting and putting makeup on.

Vera explained: "I was referred to the Ulster Hospital when I had problems with my hand. My fingers were starting to curl into the heart of my hand and it was making simple things become awkward to do. Then not long after, the hospital asked if I would be prepared to go to London to have surgery."

She continued: "I pondered with the idea for a while and decided to go for it after the staff from the clinic were in touch and totally put me at my ease."

Vera said that when she arrived at the hospital she was made to feel like royalty. "It was like going on a week's holiday and everybody was so kind, " she said. "My life has been made so much easier now that my hand has been repaired.

"I would recommend that if anyone else has the opportunity to go to the clinic they should. Even now, the after care is brilliant." David Irvine, Executive Director of the Surgical Centre commented: "For many years, people in Northern Ireland have had to wait for procedures that could make a huge difference to their lives. Since March this year, we have been able to help many of these people with a whole range of surgical needs from reconstructive surgery to the removal of birthmarks and from breast reductions to scar removal."

The BMI Mclndoe Surgical Centre will be hosting four cosmetic surgery open evenings in Northern Ireland in October to give local people thinking of having surgery the chance to find out what may be involved and to meet McIndoe staff.

The first event will be held at the Stormont Hotel on October 8, followed by the Canal Court Hotel in Newry on October 9, the Everglades Hotel in Londonderry on October 10 and finishing at the Europa Hotel on October 11. Presentations begin at 6pm and 8pm and places are limited so those interested are asked to call 0800 917 4922, email info@mcindoesurgical.co.uk or text 'cosmetic' to 81581.

05/10/2007