Patient choice

Since 1 April 2008, you have the right to choose the hospital you want to be treated at.

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 can choose where they will be treated. They can choose from any hospital that meets NHS standards.

Under 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. 

Should you have any questions, please get in touch with us.  We'll be happy to help.

Source: www.nhs.uk

Confidentiality

Anything you discuss with any member of this practice whether a GP, Nurse, Receptionist etc will stay strictly confidential. Even if you are under 16 nothing will be said to anyone, including parents, other family members, care workers or tutors without your permission.

Patients who lack the capacity to give consent  (eg some patients with a mental disorder or young children) require special consideration, in which case the view of a parent or anyone able to act or make decisions on behalf of the patient may be requested.

However, disclosure of confidential material may be considered in order to protect you or someone else from serious harm. In a circumstance such as this, we would always discuss the situation and try to help the patient understand reasons for doing so.

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