The Right to Choose (NHS)

What is the Right to Choose in the NHS?

The right to choose allows you to make decisions about where and how you receive treatment. This includes:

• Choosing your healthcare provider: You can choose from a list of hospitals, clinics, or specialists, even if they are outside your local area.

• Choosing when and where to be treated: You have a say in which NHS provider you want to go to for specific types of treatment or procedures.

• Choosing a specialist: If you are referred to a specialist, you have the right to choose which consultant or specialist you want to see, depending on availability.

Key Rights Under the Right to Choose:

• Right to choose your hospital or clinic for treatment.

• Right to choose a consultant or specialist (for example, if you need a referral to a specialist like a psychiatrist, or ADHD clinic).

• Right to choose where and when you receive treatment, based on availability.

• Right to access treatment faster by choosing a provider with a shorter waiting time (where applicable).

These rights apply to elective treatments, such as:

• Planned surgery (e.g., hip replacement, cataract surgery).

• Mental health treatments (e.g., therapy for autism, ADHD, or depression).

• Specialist appointments (e.g., seeing a consultant for ADHD diagnosis or autism assessments).

When Can You Exercise the Right to Choose?

When your GP (General Practitioner) or healthcare professional refers you for treatment or to see a specialist, they must inform you of your right to choose.

It applies if you are referred for a non-urgent (elective) procedure or appointment, not in emergency situations.

Understand Your Right to Choose

• The first step is to understand that you have the right to choose where you receive treatment and which healthcare providers or specialists you can see.

• Your GP, consultant, or other healthcare professional should inform you about your right to choose when they refer you for treatment or a specialist. This usually happens when a referral is made for elective treatment (non-urgent).

Ask for Information on Available Options

When your GP refers you for treatment or to see a specialist, ask them for information about your options. They are required to give you the following:

• A list of hospitals or clinics you can be referred to, including their locations and services they offer.

• Information about waiting times at each location, which allows you to choose based on availability or convenience.

• Details of any specialists you can choose from, if applicable.

• You can also ask for information on specialist service.

Consider Your Options

Take the time to review the options provided to you. Some questions to consider include:

• Location: Is the hospital or clinic close to you, or do you need to travel?

• Waiting times: How long do you need to wait to be seen? This is important if you want to access treatment sooner.

• Specialist expertise: Is there a particular consultant or specialist that you feel is more appropriate for your needs?

• Facilities: Does the hospital or clinic have the facilities you need (e.g., accommodations, support)?

Make Your Choice

• Once you’ve reviewed the information, contact your GP or the referring professional and inform them of your choice.

• Call or email your GP’s office or the hospital provider to confirm your selection.

• Ensure that they have all the necessary details, such as your personal information, and clarify your preferred appointment time if applicable.

Confirm the Appointment

• Once your choice is made, the hospital or clinic will contact you to arrange an appointment or treatment. Ensure that they confirm the appointment time and location and that all details are clear.

• If you do not hear back within a reasonable timeframe, follow up with the provider or GP to ensure the appointment is booked.

Attend Your Appointment

On the day of the appointment, attend the chosen provider as agreed. If you experience any issues with the appointment, such as problems with accessibility (for example, accommodations are needed), raise this with the healthcare provider immediately.

Example: Using the Right to Choose

Let’s say you are seeking help for ADHD. Here's how you might exercise your right to choose:

Step 1: Referral to a Specialist

• You go to your GP for advice about managing your ADHD symptoms. Your GP recommends a referral to a specialist for an ADHD assessment.

Step 2: Ask for Your Options

• Your GP provides a list of specialists or clinics that can help with your condition. They give you details about each one, including:

• The location of the clinics.

• The types of therapies they offer.

• Waiting times for appointments.

• Specialists with experience in ADHD.

Step 3: Review the Information

• You review the options provided. Perhaps one clinic has a shorter waiting time, or another specialist has specific expertise in ADHD. You decide on the clinic that best meets your needs.

Step 4: Make Your Choice

• You contact your GP’s office and inform them that you would like to be referred to Clinic X with Dr. Y for ADHD treatment. You ask the GP to send the referral.

Step 5: Confirm the Appointment

• After the referral is made, Clinic X contacts you with an appointment date. You confirm the time and ensure that they can accommodate any specific needs (e.g., sensory-friendly environments or additional support).

Step 6: Attend the Appointment

• You attend the appointment at the chosen clinic. If any accommodations or additional support are needed during the appointment (e.g., longer time for the consultation or assistance with navigating the clinic), you can request these.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Access to Information: Ensure you are given all relevant information about your options so you can make an informed choice.

• Reasonable Adjustments: You can request reasonable adjustments to help with your appointment or treatment. This could include changes to the environment, appointment length, or support during the process.

• Right to Choose Providers: If you feel that the options provided to you don’t meet your needs, you can ask for additional choices or accommodations.

• Appealing Choices: If you’re not happy with your referral, or if you feel the options provided are not suitable, you can ask for another referral or to be seen by a different specialist.

Final Thoughts

The right to choose in the NHS empowers you to take control of your healthcare by choosing your provider, hospital, or specialist. By following the steps outlined above, you can make informed decisions that best suit your needs, ensuring that you receive the right treatment in the right place.