NINETEEN NHS patients have been recalled for treatment after being given the wrong eye solution during operations at a private hospital.

Details were today emerging of how patients were mistakenly injected with lubricating fluid before having cataract surgery at the BUPA Gatwick Park Hospital.

It is feared some of the patients may suffer long-term damage to their sight as a result.

The operations were contracted out by Brighton Health Care NHS Trust as part of a drive to bring down record waiting lists.

They were performed with the help of BUPA nurses by a consultant paid by the company who normally works for the NHS in Brighton.

All the patients affected are understood to come from the Brighton and Hove area.

Hospital bosses have now put further ops on hold and a full inquiry is being launched by East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Health Authority.

BUPA has also set up an internal investigation.

In an emergency Press conference this afternoon, representatives of the health authority and BUPA were due to give fuller details of the blunder.

Health authority spokesman Andrew Partington told the Argus: "Obviously we are very concerned that a mistake like this has been made and treatment has been affected.

"There is something to be discussed about how the same thing came to happen to 19 patients."

Mr Partington said the solution mistakenly injected was a form of methyl cellulose, a lubricant normally applied as eye droplets.

He said: "We understand the majority of the patients who received the wrong injections have reported some side effects. The impact on their long-term sight will vary from person to person."

It will be some time before the full effects of any complications are known.

ABUPA spokeswoman said: "BUPA is taking this situation very seriously. We started an investigation as soon as we found out about it.

"The most important thing at this stage is patient care, and we are working closely with Brighton to ensure the patients get exactly the treatment they require."

Brighton Health Care spokeswoman Elizabeth Bell said: "All the patients concerned have been seen and assessed and they will continue to be closely monitored to see if they need any follow-up treatment."

But Mo Marsh, chairman of Brighton, Hove and Lewes Community Health Council, said: "I am very concerned about the implications of this.

"I would like to know exactly what is being done to address the error, and what the possible consequences are for the patients and their sight."

Health chiefs do not expect postponing operations at Gatwick or sending affected patients back to Brighton to seriously affect waiting lists.

Cataract problems occur when the lens of the eye becomes opaque.

They can be treated relatively quickly and easily by removing the lens and replacing it with a synthetic implant under local anaesthetic. IF YOU are one of the patients affected by the Gatwick eye operations, call the Argus newsdesk on 01273 544514.

Anyone who is worried about their own treatment can call a hospital hotline on 01273 664848.

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