More choice for patients

It's your choice logo

From 1 April, when patients in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale are referred to hospital by their GP, they will be able to choose to go anywhere in England.

Patients will still be able to go to their local hospital as before, in addition to choosing from any hospital where their care is funded by the NHS in England. This includes NHS hospitals and many independent (private) hospitals. This will mean more choice locally and throughout England which will allow patients to make a choice which suits them and their personal circumstances – giving them greater convenience and piece of mind.

Earlier this month, Rochdale resident, Norman Beverley, 74, who is retired, was given a choice of hospitals for treatment for a urology condition. “I was very impressed that I could pick an appointment that was convenient for me and could choose exactly when and where I wanted to go.

“Much to my surprise, my doctor was able to book me in there and then and the next thing I knew I had my appointment in my hand. I was very pleased and pleasantly surprised.”

Like all GPs across the borough, Dr Musharraf Hussain from Healey Surgery in Rochdale was able to use the Choose and Book system to offer Norman his choice. “Some patients don’t always want to go their nearest hospital for various reasons and it’s great that we can give them a choice,” said Dr Hussain. “The main benefit has to be that patients can get an appointment at a time and a place that is convenient for them.”

“I sit with many patients to book their appointments and they can see for themselves exactly what’s available. They are surprised that they can book their appointment there and then or at least have the ability to go away and book it themselves.”

Commenting on this latest extension of choice, Dena Marshall, Director of Commissioning and Performance from Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust said, “This is great news for patients in the borough of Rochdale. When they are referred to hospital, it can be a worrying time for all sorts of reasons. Being able to address some of their personal concerns or circumstances by giving them choice can only be beneficial. Of course many patients will still want their GP to choose for them and that won’t change. GPs will be able to access all the information available to do that.”

Factors important to patients when choosing:

• Patients say they want more hospitals to choose from and more appointment dates and times too.
• Patients say the key factors which would influence their choice of hospital.

These Include:

• Personal experience of a particular hospital.
• The location – whether its easy to get to or close to work, family and/or friends.
• Reputation.
• The hygiene standards and low MRSA infection rates.
• Waiting times.
• Good parking and disabled facilities.
• Where quality of care has been rated highly.