The Conservatives have pledged to meet half the private surgery bill of NHS patients in a bid to seize the health agenda and slash waiting lists.

Under plans announced yesterday by Liam Fox, the government would ease the burden on the 350,000 people who opt for private operations rather than join long NHS queues.

"These patients are often elderly, using their hard earned saving to get the treatment they need in order to maintain their quality of life. They too should be helped as their sacrifice also reduces the burden on the NHS," he said.

The shadow health secretary argues that by giving state funding worth up to 60 per cent of the NHS cost for surgery, waiting lists can be cut and the government can save 40 per cent of the private bill for operations.

Alan Milburn described the Conservative move as "more extreme and more out of touch than ever".