Patient Choice

From the 1^st January all eligible patients in England will have the right to exercise choice over where and when they get hospital treatment. For the first time patients will be offered a choice of hospitals or clinics when they need to see a specialist for further treatment. This will allow patients to choose services which best meet their individual needs and preferences.

At present there are two systems for referrals, and you will be offered the most appropriate one:

• Choice has now been formally added to the traditional paper-based referral system –
1. Once your GP has decided that you need to go to hospital to see a specialist doctor, you will be told which hospitals you can choose from. You will then be asked to make a choice about which hospital you would like to go to for your appointment.
2. This does not need to be during your visit to the doctor, but when you have reached a decision you need to let us know by contacting the Practice Secretary on 01989 561303 (answerphone). We will then send a referral letter to the hospital of your choice, and you will be given an appointment in due course.
3. Further information about the hospitals you can choose from is available in the leaflet that will be given to you by your doctor, or by going to:

www.whatsbestforyou.co.uk or www.nhs.uk

4. If you do not contact us within 7 days to let us know of your decision, you will be given an appointment at a hospital decided by your doctor.

• The second method is a computer based system called Choose and Book, and your doctor may decide to use this whilst you are in the consulting room.
1. Again, once your GP has decided that you need to go to hospital to see a specialist doctor, you will be advised which hospitals you can choose from.
2. You will be given an Appointment Request letter with your Appointment Reference on it and your password – you will need this information later, so it is important that it is not lost.
3. The choices of hospitals you agree with your doctor will be listed on your Appointment Request letter.
4. Further information about the hospitals you can choose from is available in the leaflet that will be given to you by your doctor, or by going to:

www.whatsbestforyou.co.uk or www.nhs.uk

5. There is also a Choose and Book Appointment Advice Line on:

0845 608 8888 or text 0845 850 2250

6. When you have decided where you would like to go, call the telephone number for the hospital of your choice to book your appointment.
7. When you telephone your hospital of choice, a booking clerk will give you some appointment dates so that you can choose the most convenient for you.