NHS - some clarification

I know there are so many posts and links to this subject but I'm still confused.

I have always told my husband that once he is here on a spouse visa (which he now is) he can see a doctor and use the NHS as he is now a UK resident.  So he goes to see a doctor, they tell him he isn't entitled (they weren't sure but failed to check) and charged him £25 for the appointment.

Anyway, he has been in so much pain with a trapped nerve that today he went for an MRI scan to find out what was wrong on advice of the GP and paid £595 for it privately.  Now turns out he needs surgery. 

Can he ask for surgery in an NHS hospital or is it only access to a GP that's allowed?

Thank you.

He is entitled to Full NHS Free service as a spouse of a British Citizen who also has the proper visa. Contact your PALS office for your Primary Care Trust, they will educate the GP's office.

Or alternatively you can print off this page and take it in to them: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Entitlementsandcharges/OverseasVisitors/Browsable/DH_074379

Highlighting the part that says

The spouse or civil partner and any dependent children of anyone who is exempt under the above criteria, if they are living permanently with the exempt person.

Basically he's entitled because you are.

Or if all else fails try to have him register with a different GP.

Your husband is entitled to all services offered on the NHS. You should not have to pay for GP appointments. I'm not sure about the MRI, but I imagine if he hadn't paid to go private he'd still be waiting for an appointment. This will be the same with the surgery. I'd see how long it will take him to get a surgery date on the NHS and if it's way too long (and he can't wait) you might want to consider going private. Before doing all of this, I'd make sure to clear up things with your GP and insist that he is eligible for NHS care. You can contact your PCT if you are still having issues.

x-posted with WebyJ

Thank you very much.