HEALTHY PEOPLE HEALTHY LIVES HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
Feedback from across the UK in recent years has shown that patients want choice – choice of treatment, choice of hospital and choice of appointment time.
The introduction of free choice means that, if you are referred to see a specialist, you can choose where to be treated, from a range of hospitals that meet NHS standards, that best suit your needs.
It may be that you want to go somewhere away from home, but closer to your family; maybe good parking facilities are important to you; or you may want to look into waiting times, cleanliness, or reputation. Whatever you base your decision on, the choice is now yours.
The NHS Choices website will help you make your choice, allowing you to select a wide range of different hospitals and compare them on the criteria that matter most to you.
In many cases, you’ll be able to see how other patients rated the hospital and also add your own comments if you wish.
It may not always be possible for you to choose which hospital you go to. In the case of accidents and emergencies, for example, the ambulance crew may have to decide for you.
Even if your case is not an emergency, your GP may decide that you need to see a specialist quickly and advise you of the best place.
Two areas of healthcare that are not subject to free choice are mental health services and maternity. However, even here you can still talk to your GP if you feel that the hospital you’re being referred to is not right for you and, once you’ve been seen by the specialist, you are entitled to ask for a second opinion.
For more information, visit: www.nhs.uk/choices