Patient choice comes into force

This week heralds a “revolution” in the NHS, as patients are able to choose where they obtain healthcare and treatment.

As from January 1, NHS patients have been offered the choice between four centres for treatment, a move hailed as revolutionary by health minister Patricia Hewitt.

Ms Hewitt claimed the policy gives patients new rights over their health and treatment, adding that choice would only work if patients exercised this right.

She said that patient choice would allow patients to construct a tailor-made NHS service that best suited their needs.

“Choice is now a reality in the NHS. Patients have new rights over their own healthcare. These rights will allow patients to choose services which best meet their individual needs and preferences,” Ms Hewitt said.

However, a MORI poll commissioned by the Department of Health found mixed awareness of the changes.

In total, eight in ten people are largely unaware about the patient choice initiative. Of those surveyed, 41 per cent knew nothing or little and 39 per cent knew “just a little”.

When made aware of the changes, many patients were supportive of the idea of choice, even if this meant faster treatment at the expense of convenience.

Almost seven in ten people over 40-years-old would travel to beyond their local hospital for treatment, while 11 per cent would travel across Europe if it meant they could be treated quicker.

The new reforms also give patients more ways to book hospital treatment, with appointments made over the phone, via the internet or using the new Choose and Book computer system.

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