Patients choice

[rov1200]

Can a patient choose to go to one of his own choice providing of course that hospital deals with their illness?

[gina32]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4574342.stm

[sara3]

I think this varies from one health authority area to another, but you can in my area (Herts)

[bednobs]

yes (in england) you can chose any hspital in the country that deals with your speciality. it's called free choice. you can look up the hospitals on the nhs choices website and see their comparative stats

[chinadog]

I have, twice. I prefer the smaller hospitals.

[jen78]

I was given a choice of hospitals in the area when I was referred for both gastro and rhumatology and it was great to be able to make a choice based on appointment time or specialty.

I recently moved, same area but out of my GP's catchment and in another main hospital district (Manchester to Salford) and thought I'd have to change my hospital specialists as well as GP.

I checked with rhumatology who said they get patients from all over the country for their specialities and I can stay despite moving which is fantastic news for me as it's a great department.