Patient Choice – updates to our referral system
The NHS is offering more options to enable you to make choices that best suit your circumstances and giving you greater control of your care. If your GP needs to refer you to hospital you have the right to choose the hospital or service you would like to go to. If you know where you would like to be seen, please inform the GP during your consultation.
Alternatively, when processing your referral, our medical secretary team will create a list of up to 5 healthcare providers that are suitable for you and your condition which you can choose from.
You will receive this list via email, letter, or text message along with instructions on how to book your appointment. The quickest way to book is via the NHS app or using the web link below:
Book an appointment using the NHS e-Referral Service – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Please note, booking options may vary depending on the service you need.
For patients who do not have access to technology or would prefer to speak to someone, they can call the ‘National Referral Helpline’ who will be able to talk the patient through their shortlist and support finalising their choice and onward referral.
National Referral Helpline – 0345 608 8888
(Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and from 8 m to 4pm on weekends and bank holidays)
Alternatively you can call the practice and notify us where you would like to be seen and reception will pass on the relevant information to the secretaries.
Where can I find information and support to help me choose?
If you’d like to research your options, there are several places where you can get information about hospitals and services:
- My Planned Care is updated each week with information such as waiting times.
- You can use the NHS website to compare information about hospitals, services and consultants.
- You can find information about NHS and independent care providers on the Care Quality Commission website, including how patients and healthcare regulators rate them.
If you don’t have internet access or would rather talk to someone, you can call the referral helpline on:
0345 608 8888 (open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and from 8 m to 4pm on weekends and bank holidays).
An operator will talk you through your shortlist and support you to choose the option that will work best for you.
When you may not have a choice
You do not have a legal right to choose where your outpatient appointment will take place if you are:
- already receiving care and treatment for the condition for which you’re being referred and this is an onward referral
- using urgent, emergency or crisis services
- in need of emergency or urgent treatment, such as cancer services where you must be seen in a maximum waiting time of 2 weeks
- a prisoner, on temporary release from prison, or detained in ‘other prescribed accommodation’ (such as a court, secure children’s home, secure training centre, an immigration removal centre or a young offender’s institution)
- someone who is held in a hospital setting under the Mental Health Act 1983
- a serving member of the armed forces
- using maternity services