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Patient Choice Schemes

Answer

Last year, the Government set out how it will make it easier for patients to exercise their choice by improving the NHS App, increasing choice for patients already on waiting lists, and raising awareness of patients’ right to choose.

At the point of referral, for example at a general practice (GP) appointment, patients will be actively offered a list of providers which are clinically appropriate for their condition. This will be a minimum of five providers where possible. Patients will also be informed of their right to choose and encouraged to raise this at the time of the referral.

Since the commitments made by the Government in May 2023, we have seen an increase in the number of patients being offered choice at the point of referral. The Department does not hold data regarding patients choosing between a hospital and clinic for their first outpatient appointment each month. The Department has also not made an estimate of how many patients were aware, before visiting their GP, of their right to choose the provider for their first outpatient appointment.

In autumn last year, the Department ran a press partnership campaign to raise awareness and increase understanding of choice. Furthermore, the Department has recently launched a marketing campaign, aimed at all adults, to increase awareness of a patient's right to choose where they receive their hospital care, as well as encourage more people to actively make a choice.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

12829

Session

2023-24

Related items

Patient Choice Schemes
Wednesday, 8 May 2024
Written questions
House of Commons

Grouped for answer

Yes

Subjects

Out-patients Patient choice schemes

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk