NHS urges participation in huge health survey

The National Patient Choice Survey, carried out by the NHS, is being run until February 28.

A large number of patients referred to hospital by their GP for their first out-patient appointment during this period will be sent a survey, along with an explanatory letter and a pre-paid addressed envelope.

In most cases, once a GP advises their patient that they need to see a specialist, they can choose to go to any hospital in England, including many private and independent sector hospitals.

Patients can choose their hospital based on what is important to them, such as GP recommendation, appointment waiting times, reputation or location.

All GPs can access information about the different hospitals and patients can discuss their options with them.

Choice cannot be offered in some circumstances, such as when patients are referred to mental health or maternity services, or where speed of access is important, such as suspected stroke, heart attack or suspected cancer.

Patients can visit the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk, type in their postcode or where they would like to be treated and view all the available hospitals in that area, both NHS and private.

They can also compare information such as individual services offered, infection rates, parking and travel.

Lisa Bailey, an NHS Doncaster manager, said: "The NHS constitution gives patients a legal right to choice and to information to support that choice. We know that patients want to choose hospitals based on what is important to them. They may know a hospital from personal experience or want somewhere that's easy to get to or near family and friends."