A dramatic expansion of patient choice in the NHS got under way in April 2008.
Surveys have consistently shown that patients want choice. The 2005 British Social Attitudes survey revealed that 65% of patients said they wanted choice of treatment, 63% wanted a choice of hospital and 53% welcomed a choice of appointment time.
The introduction of free choice means that patients referred to see a specialist are themselves able to choose where they are treated from any hospital that meets NHS standards.
The list includes many private hospitals as well as all NHS providers. Between them offer everything from treatment to your cataracts to open-heart surgery.
Under the move to free choice, if you and your GP decide that you need to see a specialist, you'll be able to choose the hospital that best suits your needs.
Perhaps you will want to go somewhere away from home but close to your family? Perhaps good parking facilities are vital for you? Waiting lists, cleanliness, reputation ... they can all be factored into your thinking. The point is that the choice is now yours.
The Compare hospitals pages on NHS Choices will help you to make your choice. They allow you to select a wide range of different hospitals and compare them on the criteria that matter most to you.
In many cases, you'll also be able to see how other patients rated them. You can also add your own comments.
It may not always be possible for you to choose which hospital you go to. In the case of accidents and other emergencies, for example, ambulance crews may have to decide for you.
Also, your GP may take the view that - while not an emergency -you need to see a specialist quickly. Here, the GP may have to advise you.
Finally, there are two areas of healthcare where the location in which you are treated is not subject to free choice - mental health services and maternity. However, you are always free to talk to your GP if you feel the hospital you are being referred to is not right for you. And remember, once you have been seen by the specialist, you can always ask for a second opinion.
