If you and a GP decide that you need to see a specialist for further treatment, you can now choose where to have your treatment from a list of hospitals or clinics.
FAQ -
- Why would I want to choose which hospital treats me?
If you choose which hospital you are treated in, you can make sure that you go to the place that will best suit your needs. Different people have different priorities: location, shortest outpatient waiting list, hospital cleanliness etc - What if I do not want to choose?
You do not have to make the decision yourself. If you prefer, your GP can still make the choice for you and recommend a hospital for your treatment. - Is patient choice offered for all medical conditions?
A choice is available for most medical conditions, however not all hospitals treat every medical condition and some patients may need a more specialist service. - If I need treatment after my first appointment, will I be treated at the same hospital?
In most cases you will, but if you need very specialized treatment then you may have to go to another hospital - What happens if I change my mind?
If you decide that you do not want to be treated at the hospital where you have your first appointment, you can go back to your GP who will go through the other options available to you. - Where can I get the information I need to help me make my choice?
If you want further information on hospitals, clinics and their services, you can:
talk to your GP, read the booklet "Choosing your hospital" available from your GP or NHS website. You can also phone the Referral Management and Booking Service (0844 811 3020). Details of the NHS website and other sites offering information on patient choice are available in Links.