PATIENT CHOICE

Did you know you have the right to choose where to have your NHS surgery?

If you or a loved one needs to see an NHS specialist, you can choose to access any hospital or treatment centre in England. You could even switch hospitals, having already been referred somewhere, if you are waiting for too long. This is a legal right for NHS patients.

Patient choice is important, because it gives you control over your health and the decisions related to your treatment. The freedom to make an informed decision, and select the right choice for our individual needs, is important to a patient’s experience and recovery; both these things are better when we feel confident and comfortable with where we receive treatment.

• NHS treatment is still free, regardless of where you chose to receive it

• You can base your decision on the things that matter most to you

• How long you’ll have to wait for treatment is an important factor

• CQC ratings and patient feedback can give you a good gauge of a hospital’s quality

For more information on patient choice, you can visit the NHS England website or discuss with your GP.