Text IV. Patient Choice

A dramatic expansion of patient choice in the NHS got under way in April 2008. Surveys have constantly shown that patients want choice. The 2005 British Attitudes survey revealed that 65% of patients said they wanted a choice of treatment, 63% wanted a choice of hospital and 53% welcomed a choice of appointment time.

Traditionally patients were told: “Go to this hospital at this appointment time”, and it was an appointment that was suitable for the NHS, not necessarily for the patient.

The introduction of free choice means that patients are themselves able to choose where they are treated from any hospital that meets NHS standards. The list includes many private hospitals as well as all NHS providers. Between them offered everything from treatment of your cataracts to open-heart surgery.

Under the move to free choice, if you or your GP decide that you need to see a specialist, you’ll be able to choose the hospital that best suits your needs. Perhaps you will want to go somewhere away from home but close to your family? Perhaps good parking facilities are vital for you? Waiting list, cleanliness, reputation … they can all be factored into your thinking. The point is that the choice is now yours.

It may not always be possible for you to choose which hospital you go. In the case of accidents or other emergencies, for example, ambulance crews may have to decide for you. Also, your GP may take the view that – while not an emergency – you need to see a specialist quickly. Here the GP may have to advise you. Finally, there are two areas of healthcare where the location in which you are treated is not subject of free choice – mental health services and maternity. However, you are always free to talk to your GP if you feel the hospital you are being referred to is not right for you.

21. Read the most frequent questions about hospital treatment choice and answers provided on the NHS website:

Is choice offered for all medical conditions?

- A choice of hospital is available for most medical conditions. However, if you need to be seen quickly, for example, your doctor wants you to see a cancer specialist or you have severe chest pain, he will send you where you will be seen most quickly. If you need to see a mental health specialist or someone regarding your pregnancy, you will not be able to choose where you are seen by a specialist.

Which hospital should I choose?

- The hospitals you can choose from will depend on the type of specialist you need to see. You might want to think about how you will get to hospital or who might pick you up when your treatment has finished. If you are going to be in hospital for a while, do you want to be close to family and friends? You may also want to think about how quickly you want to be treated. Would you be willing to travel further away if it meant that you could be treated more quickly? Alternatively, you may have a different priority, for example, a hospital’s cleanliness or its location.

Where can I find information to help me make my choice?

- You can talk to the staff in your GP surgery, your local library or other local support services. You may also want to talk things through with family and friends.

Will I be treated at the same hospital where I had my first appointment?

- In choosing where to have your outpatient appointment, you will be choosing where to receive your full treatment, if you need it. This will include your initial outpatient appointment and any other appointments for treatment (for example, inpatient care) or aftercare. However, if you are not happy with your chosen hospital after your outpatient appointment, your GP can make you an appointment at another hospital.

Will I have to pay?

- No, not as an NHS patient. All the hospitals listed provide services to NHS patients free.

How can I book my appointment?

- You can call the appointments line. Patients referred by their GP through the Choose and Book service will be given a ‘unique booking reference number’ (UBRN) and a patient password. You will book your appointment either in the GP practice, using the national appointments line (0845 608 8888), or in your own home through the HealthSpace website. If you do not have internet access, or need more information and help before you choose your hospital and book your appointment, you can visit your local library. The libraries have access to all the health information through this and other websites and can provide you with all of the information you need to make your choice.

22. Read the text and discuss the meaning of the title “Now I feel tall”. Note information on the following:

■ the current state of patient care within the NHS

■ the emotional experience of the patient

Text V. “Now I Feel Tall” - What a Patient-led NHS Feels Like