PATIENT CHOICE

Department of Health – NHS 2014/15 Choice Framework What is patient choice? “For some health care services, you have the legal right to choose and must be provided with choice by law.” Department of Health – NHS 2014/15 Choice Framework

Department of Health – NHS 2014/15 Choice Framework “If you need to see a consultant or specialist as an outpatient for a physical or mental health condition, you can choose the organisation that provides your NHS care and treatment anywhere in England for your first outpatient appointment.” Department of Health – NHS 2014/15 Choice Framework

Why provide patient choice? “Giving people more choice is a priority of the modern NHS. This is because research in the UK and overseas has shown that treatments are more effective if patients choose, understand and control their care” Department of Health – NHS 2014/15 Choice Framework

Question: How important is it to you to be offered choice in where you receive treatment? 81% Extremely Important

Question: Before you visited your GP, did you know that you could choose where you are referred and treated? No = 60.1%

Next Steps: Present Healthwatch report and findings to Governing Body (July) Raise public awareness of patient choice Support GP’s to offer patient choice