Patient choice

Your choice about where and when you are treated

Because we know that fast, responsive care is important to patients, the NHS has been working to ensure that patients have a choice of dates and times, hospitals and clinics across England.

As well as hospital services, this may include services offered close to your home by GPs and other health professionals with special interests and training.

For people in Herefordshire, the most popular local choices are:

• Hereford Hospital
• NHS hospitals in Gloucestershire
• NHS hospitals in Worcestershire
• NHS hospitals in Shropshire
• Hospitals around Birmingham including specialist hospitals such as Birmingham Women's Hospital, Dental Hospital, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
• Nuffield Wye Valley Hospital
• Spire (formerly BUPA) Hospital in Worcester

but many others are also available.

Not all hospitals are right for every patient and some provide specialist services which others do not. You can find out which services are available at any England hospital by visiting www.nhs.uk/choices. You can also find out how other patients rated their care, about waiting times and infections at each organisation.

If you would like to find more out about your choices and the NHS Constitution click here.

Video transcript

Choose and Book your appointment

Choose and Book is an electronic system which allows you to choose and book your hospital appointment at a time and place to suit you.

When you and your GP have agreed that you need to be referred to a specialist you can:

• Choose and book your appointment there and then at your GP surgery
• Go home and book your appointment using the helpline 0845 6088888 or www.chooseandbook.nhs.uk
• Visit your local library or Info Shop where trained staff can help you find out more or book your appointment online

It also means you can

• Select the right hospital or clinic to meet your needs
• Compare essential information such as waiting times or infection rates

This electronic way of working reduces the time taken to send letters between departments. It is also helpful if you need to arrange your appointment to meet travel requirements or to be nearer friends and family during your treatment.

If you find you need to change or cancel your appointment, you can do so quickly and easily without any fear of losing your place in the queue as this direct booking means that there is no longer a traditional waiting list.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Waiting times are now shorter than ever before in the history of the NHS. Unless you decide to wait longer because it suits your personal circumstances, you will receive treatment within a maximum of 18 weeks from the date when you are referred by your GP. This includes any time waiting for therapy treatment,  test and results as well as time waiting to see a specialist or to be admitted for an operation. In an emergency, if your GP decides your condition is urgent, or your symptoms could be due to cancer, you will of course be seen much more quickly.

How you can help the NHS

When you are referred to hospital you should expect your first appointment to be within a maximum of six weeks and possibly much sooner.

If you are going away on holiday or are not going to be available for any other reason, please let the hospital and your GP know.

Also please ensure that they have your up to date contact details including your mobile number or another daytime contact number if possible.

Know your NHS number - this is a ten digit number which uniquely identifies you and can be used by healthcare staff to share and find your healthcare records easily and safely.  You should have received your NHS number when you registered with your GP. If you do not have a number, please contact NHS Herefordshire

Finally - please keep your appointments and if for any reason you can't attend, even if it's short notice please DO let the hospital know so that they can invite another patient to fill the appointment.

Further information

• To find out more about Choice, waiting times and Choose and Book, you can ask your GP practice or:
• To see what choices are available or to compare information about different hospitals www.nhs.uk)
• To book, change or cancel  your appointment after being referred by your GP (www.healthspace.nhs.uk)
• Telephone 0845 60 88888
• If you have any other queries, concerns or problems contact the Primary Care Trust on 01432 344344