Patient Choice
Useful Information to help you choose the right service for you
If your doctor refers you to hospital – you have the legal right to choose when and where you are treated. This right covers any hospital in England, including many private and independent sector hospitals.
Read more: Useful Information to help you choose the right service for youChoice
Only 60 percent of Nottinghamshire patients know that it is their legal right to choose which hospital they are treated at for their first outpatient appointment, a recent survey reveals.Although this is higher than the national average of 50 percent, NHS Nottinghamshire County wants to ensure that everyone takes advantage of their right, which is stated in the NHS Constitution
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Check your choices
Your GP, or a nominated person in the practice, can advise you on which hospital or clinics you could attend.
Read more: Check your choicesMaking your choice and booking an appointment
Discuss the full range of hospitals that offer the treatment you need with your GP or nominated member of staff or visit the NHS Choices website - www.nhs.uk/choices
If you have any problems with making a choice, ask your GP, or nominated member of staff, for advice. Alternatively, you may wish to discuss with family or friends.
Tell your GP, or nominated member of staff, if you want more time to decide.
Read more: Making your choice and booking an appointmentUseful information
18 weeks maximum from Referral to Treatment. As well as giving you choice about where and when you are treated, the NHS is also aiming to cut the time that you have to wait for routine treatments in hospital. All patients can now expect to start their treatment within 18 weeks of being referred by a GP, unless you choose to wait longer because of personal circumstances, such as a holiday or because you have complex care needs.
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