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Choose and Book

What is Choose and Book?

Choose and Book is a new, nationwide, electronic service that allows you to choose the hospital or clinic you would prefer for a referred appointment.

Choose and Book was introduced as a pilot scheme in England in summer 2004. It will eventually be available to all patients. From 1 January 2006, when the GP refers you to see a specialist, you will given the opportunity to choose from at least four hospitals or clinics. You will also be able to select the date and time of your appointment through a centralised Referral Management Centre.

Why is it being introduced?

Research has shown that patients want to be more involved in decisions when choosing their healthcare. Most patients offered a choice of hospital view the opportunity as positive and valuable. So, the NHS is changing to introduce choice and flexibility. Choose and Book is one of the first schemes that brings about this change, allowing you to choose the hospital where you will be seen by a specialist.

The benefits of Choose and Book

What does Choose and Book mean for me?

Choose and Book will give you:

• a choice of at least four hospitals.
• a choice of date and time for your first out-patient appointment.

It will also give you the ability to:

• plan and manage around your existing appointments, if you are currently undergoing treatment.
• fit your treatment in with your other commitments, at home and at work.
• choose appointments that fit with your carer's schedule.
• check the status of your referral and to change or cancel your appointments easily over the phone or on the internet.

How does Choose and Book work?

When you and your GP agree you need an appointment with a specialist, Choose and Book shows your GP which hospitals or clinics are available for your treatment. Your GP will discuss with you the appropriate available options for treating your medical condition. Knowing where and when you would like to be seen, you may be able to book your appointment before you leave the surgery. You will be given confirmation of the place, date and time of your appointment.

You may want more time to consider your choices. If so, you can take an appointment request letter away with you and book your appointment later through the Referral Management Centre.

Will Choose and Book be available to me right away?

From 1st January 2006, everyone in England will be able to choose where and when they are seen for their initial hospital appointment. Lister House has not yet been connected to the Choose and Book system due to technical problems, we are awaiting the electronic link to be updated by the NHS and BT.

Where can I find further information about the different hospitals?

The NHS website provides information on local NHS services – for example, service performance, the facilities they offer, waiting times etc, and national information about what the NHS does. You can also request information to be provided in a number of different of formats – for example, Braille or large print. If you do not have access to the internet you can request information from……………………….