Where can I go for treatment?
What is Patient Choice?
From April 2006, if you and your GP decide that you need to see a Specialist for further treatment, you can now choose where to have your treatment from a list of hospitals or clinics.
Things to think about:
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Where can I go for treatment? |
You might already have experience of a particular hospital or know someone who has. Now you can choose - where would you like to go? Or, if you like, your GP can recommend a hospital where you can be treated.
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How long will it take? |
How quickly do you want to be treated? Would you be willing to travel further away if it meant you could be treated quicker?
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Where's closest? |
You might want to think about how you will get to hospital. Who will take you there and pick you up when your treatment is finished? If you are going to stay in hospital for a while, do you want to be close to family or friends?
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Where's best for me? |
Different people have different priorities. You know what is most important for you - hospital cleanliness or location for example.
If you want to find out more, visit www.nhs.uk, the NHS website.
Your questions answered:
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Why would I want to choose which hospital treats me? |
If you choose which hospital you are treated in, you can make sure that you go to the place that will best suit your needs.
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What if I don't want to choose? |
You do not have to make the decision yourself. If you prefer, your GP can still make the choice for you and recommend a hospital for your treatment.
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What if I don't want to go to a different hospital? |
You don't have to. If you would rather visit the hospital that you usually go to, then you can make that choice.
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Is patient choice offered for all medical conditions? |
A choice of hospital is available for most medical conditions. However not all hospitals treat every medical condition and some patients may need a more specialist service.
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If I need treatment after my first appointment, will I be treated at the same hospital? |
In most cases you will. But if you need very specialised treatment, you may need to go to another hospital.
Making your choice
| Find out what your choices are |
Talk to your GP or local support services about the choices that are available to you and where you can get more information and support.
| Talk it through with someone else |
You may want to discuss your choices with family or friends, especially if you are going to need their help with travel or care after your treatment.
| Weigh up the pros and cons |
Consider your needs and compare each hospital using the information you have, bearing in mind what is most important to you.