More choice to help cut hospital waiting times

Patients will be empowered to choose where they receive their NHS care under new plans to help cut waiting lists, one of the Prime Minister’s 5 priorities.

A letter issued by the NHS today to local areas will require patients to be offered choice when clinically appropriate.

• Patients will be empowered to choose where they receive their NHS care under new plans to help cut waiting lists, one of the Prime Minister’s 5 priorities.

• A letter issued by the NHS today to local areas will require patients to be offered choice when clinically appropriate.

A new public awareness campaign will also encourage patients to exercise their right to choose and guidance has been provided to GP practices to support them to offer choice, with training available on using IT systems to make referrals.