Choose & Book

Patient Co-ordinator Telephone Numbers
01603 813863 | 01603 318838

Download a pdf copy of the Choose and Book Leaflet Here

How will Choose & Book differ from what happens now?

At the moment, if your GP decides you need to see a specialist, they write a letter, and the hospital allocates a date. The process can take several weeks, and the date offered may not suit you.

With the new Choose and Book system your GP will still write a letter but the referral will be made electronically and you will be able to choose the hospital you attend and the time and date of your appointment after you leave the surgery. If you need to be referred to the hospital your GP will tell you during your consultation, and you will be able to leave the surgery with a printed form listing your choice of hospitals and instructions on how to make your hospital appointment. This form will contain a unique reference number for your booking and you will need to quote this number when arranging your appointment.

If you have any queries relating to your choice of hospital or the process itself, information will be available on the internet or alternatively a local Patient Choice Co-ordinator will be available to help either on the telephone or in a local practice if you would prefer to meet in person. Details for your local Patient Choice Co-ordinator will be available from the surgery

How does Choose and Book work?

If your GP decides that you need to see a specialist, you will be able to choose the hospital from a list and then book an appointment.

Your password and Reference Number

You will be given a password with a reference number. This will be used to make sure your information is kept secure on the computer system. You will also be given a reference number so that you can book your appointment, or change it later.

Amending your appointment

You can change the date and time of your appointment by phoning the Booking Management Service (Call Centre), local Patient Choice Co-ordinator or via the internet.

If you want to change your choice of hospital you must telephone the surgery to let your GP know.

Choosing the Hospital

• By the end of 2006 you will be able to choose from a menu of four or five hospitals.
• You can get information on the various hospitals either from your hospital, on the internet or through the Patient Choice Co-ordinator.

Choosing the date and time of your appointment

• You can contact the Patient Choice Co-ordinator to book your appointment.
• You may want to check with work, family and friends before booking your appointment.
• If you want to book an appointment later you can do this either by telephone or the internet.
• You will need your password and reference number ready when you book or change your appointment.

Transport Arrangements

You will need to consider your travel arrangements when making decisions on the choice of Hospital. Please contact the Patient Choice Co-ordinator if you have any queries regarding this.

The three simple steps for choosing and booking your hospital appointments:

The Patient Co-ordinator telephone numbers are:

• 01603 813863
• 01603 813838

About Choose and Book

Is Choose and Book available everywhere?

Choose and Book will not affect everyone straightaway. It is being introduced across the UK and by the end of 2005 everyone in England should be able to choose where and when they are seen.

Does Choose and Book apply to all hospital appointments?

No, at first, Choose and Book will only apply to your initial hospital appointment. If you need to go back, the hospital will arrange that in the usual way.

How secure is the new service?

For Choose and Book to work, your personal details - such as name, address, date of birth and a note about you, and why you are being referred - will be sent electronically to your chosen hospital once you have arranged your appointment. This booking information will be sent very securely and will only be seen by those involved in your care at the place where your appointment is booked. Whether it is on paper or computer, everyone in the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential.

Where can I find more information?

More detailed information and answers to the most commonly asked questions can be found at www.nhs.uk/chooseandbook

Please note that your GP and the Practice Nurses or Medical Secretaries at your surgery will not be able to provide information or discuss your choice of hospital or logistics of booking your hospital appointment through the new Choose & Book Service.