The public wants more say and greater choice over their NHS healthcare according to a new patient survey carried out by an independent research company on behalf of the Department of Health.
The survey of 5,000 people reveals that over 80% of patients want more choice over how and where they are treated in the NHS and nearly three quarters of patients want more choice in who provides their hospital care. Results of the survey show that:
• Over 80% of respondents want more choice in where they are treated in the NHS.
• Over 78% of respondents want to have more choice in how they are treated.
• Nearly 50% were not aware that they could choose which hospital to go to for nonemergency treatment.
• Around 75% wanted a choice over which hospital consultant is in charge of their care.
• Around 75% wanted a choice over which hospital consultant is in charge over their children’s care.
Women and older people in particular want to see more patient choice in the NHS. Nine out of 10 people over the age of 55 want to have a greater say in how and where they are treated.
