Your Health
News and advice from Hull Teaching Primary Care Trust

Patient choice

Choosing health to suit you

Did you know that you now have a choice of where you get your healthcare?
In the past, if you were referred to hospital, you were told which hospital to go to and then had to wait for an appointment which might or might not be convenient for you.
Now, if your GP refers you for an outpatient appointment, you'll be able to choose from a list of hospitals and pick a date and time that suits you. No more clashing with holidays or important family occasions! This is what Patient Choice is about – letting you make decisions about your healthcare. If you decide to choose your local hospital, that's fine too.
Your shortlist of hospitals will depend on the type of specialist you need to see, but there is a choice for most medical conditions. Before you decide which hospital to go to, it's worth thinking about what's important to you. You may want to go to the hospital that can see you soonest, or the one you feel is best in your area. You may prefer a hospital that is nearer your family or that you can get to easily on public transport.
Staff at your GP practice will be able to give you information about the hospitals on your list to help you decide. The practice might also use a computerised system called Choose and Book, allowing you to book your appointment there and then, if you want to. If not, they will give you the telephone number and your booking reference number so that you can book your appointment yourself.
Everyone has Patient Choice, no matter where you live or which doctor you see. Spread the word, ask your GP about it and get your healthcare when and where you want it!

Joe's story One of the first people in Hull to benefit from Patient Choice was two-year-old Joe Stocks. When his mum Kerry took him to see the family doctor, Dr Barnes at the MacDonald and Partners Practice on Greenwich Avenue, Dr Barnes recommended that Joe be referred to see a paediatrician. Kerry was able to book the appointment there and then, with Dr Barnes accessing a computer database which listed available dates, times and locations. Kerry then chose a time and location to suit her, Hull Royal Infirmary's Paediatric Unit, and was able to take home an appointment confirmation slip. Delighted with the service that was offered to her, Kerry said: "I think this new system is a big improvement; I was able to choose a date and time that fits in with my other domestic arrangements and it's great not having to wait for an appointment letter."