Patient choice
We want to support you to be able to choose where you have your NHS treatment. In the NHS, this is sometimes called “patient choice.”
Patient choice gives you greater control over where you get treated.
It means that you will be able to choose which hospital go to out of the list of hospitals that offer the treatment that you need. This allows you more flexibility to make choices that best suit your needs and circumstances.
Sometimes, you may be offered treatment at a hospital further away from you, but who can see you more quickly. This is so we can treat you in the fastest possible time. You can choose not to accept this and stay with your local hospital if you prefer.
Not every hospital in Greater Manchester offers every treatment or service, so you won’t always be able to choose. Your GP will be able to tell you what the options are for your treatment.
There is lots of helpful information about choice, how it works, what to consider, and how to exercise your choice on NHS.uk.
NHS.uk
NHS.uk has lots of helpful information about patient choice, how to choose and what you need to know. It is a great starting point to find out more about choice and when it applies.
Visit the NHS.uk patient choice page Visit the NHS.uk patient choice pagePatient initiated requests to move to an alternative provider
From 31st October 2023, the NHS has been asked to set up a new system where patients who have waited a long time for planned hospital care or treatment will be given the opportunity to request to move provider if they meet certain eligibility criteria. Our dedicated web page will give you the latest information and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Click here for more information and FAQs Click here for more information and FAQsWhile you wait
Covid-19 led to many operations and treatments being delayed and longer waiting times. We know this is concerning for you and we are working hard to get people seen as quickly as possible. People who have waited the longed, and those who need treatment most urgently are being seen first.
While you are waiting, you may be offered treatment at a hospital where the waiting list is shorter to make sure that you are treated as soon as possible. This may be a hospital further away from you. We have information about help to get you to and from appointments here: Transport | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership (gmintegratedcare.org.uk)
If you (or someone you care for) are waiting for treatment that has been delayed, visit our While you Wait website for further information and advice, along with handy resources, to help you manage your physical and mental wellbeing.
Your right to patient choice
Your right to patient choice is set out in the NHS Constitution, the NHS Choice Framework, in legislation and in many other NHS guidelines. Find out more about these on the links below.
NHS Choices Framework
The NHS Choices Framework sets out in detail when choice should be available across different types of care, e.g. GP practices, maternity, mental health, etc.
Read the NHS Choices Framework Read the NHS Choices FrameworkNHS England
NHS England include guidance on patient choice in a number of their policies and frameworks that apply to different types of care. Find out more on their website.
Visit the NHS England Choices page Visit the NHS England Choices pageNHS Constitution
The NHS Constitution sets out the principles and values of the NHS in England, including the rights of patients, the public and staff.
Read the NHS Constitution Read the NHS Constitution