In one of the most fundamental reforms of NHS services ever seen, patients now have the right to be offered the choice of at least four hospitals or clinics when they need to see a specialist for further treatment.
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: “There are a range of ways in which patients will access information and book their appointment – including through the new Choose and Book computer system, over the phone, or using the internet. Either way, when a patient leaves the GP surgery they will have either made their choice or know exactly what the next step will be to do so.
“NHS staff have been working hard to make sure this new system is up and running. But we need to remember that choice will only work to the full if patients exercise their new rights to choose. It will take some time for everybody to get used to this new system, but I am confident that the benefits will be worth it. We will continue to listen to patients and clinicians and to learn from them as this exciting reform starts to have real impact right across the NHS.”
