The overview to this section explains your rights to choose which hospital your GP refers you to. Choosing the hospital that's best for you is a personal decision. Discuss your choice with your GP before they refer you to a specialist.
Below are some of the things to consider when choosing a hospital and tips on how to research hospital facilities and performance.
Why are you going to hospital?
Your choice of hospital will depend on the type of treatment you may need.
For example, if you expect to be prescribed a simple course of medication, your choice of hospital may be based largely on convenience, such as how far away the hospital is, waiting times and parking facilities.
If you're likely to need an operation, such as a hip replacement, your choice will probably be based on other factors. Clinical ratings, such as infection and mortality rates, may be more important, especially if results vary significantly between hospitals.
Before your GP refers you to a hospital specialist, ask them about the treatment they think you'll need. When choosing where to see a hospital specialist, you'll also be choosing where to receive your treatment, should you need it (see Overview).
How far should I travel?
How far you have to travel to the hospital may be important if you have to spend a long time in hospital or you need to return often to the same hospital.
This doesn't mean that you should choose a local hospital if its results are poor. But you may not want to go to a hospital hundreds of miles away if it will stop you seeing your friends and family for a long time, or if you have to travel there frequently.
On the other hand, you may want to travel further if you can be treated more quickly. For example, an amateur sportsman who needs a ligament repaired in his knee may be prepared to travel to the other end of the country if it means he can receive the best treatment quickly.
Expect to make compromises to find the right balance between convenience and clinical results. If you're thinking of choosing a hospital that's far away, talk to your friends and family to allow them to plan.
How can I compare hospitals?
The Find and choose hospitals function is the most sophisticated hospital comparison system in the UK.
It allows you to compare hospitals on a wide and growing range of factors, including:
- overall quality of service (judged by the regulator),
- mortality rates,
- other patients’ views,
- waiting times,
- infection rates,
- food quality,
- parking facilities, and
- disabled access.
The system allows you to limit your search according to the operations, treatments and specialities that the hospitals offer. For example, you could search for hospitals within 50 miles of your home that offer hip replacements. You can then compare them in an easy-to-read table, according to the factors above and many more.
Spend some time learning how to use the Find and choose facility. Use the full range of filtering options to narrow your results and use the ‘page view’ buttons to see the results displayed in different ways. If you're talking to your GP about which hospitals are best, make sure they're using the system too.
Once I've made my choice, how do I book a hospital appointment?
If your GP refers you through the Choose and Book system, you'll be given a password and reference number that allows you to book your appointment online or over the phone. The Choose and Book appointments line is open every day between 7am and 10pm.
Please note that on November 1 2011 opening times will change to:
Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm
Weekends and bank holidays 8am - 4pm
Christmas day closed
Go to Choose and Book to book your appointment online.
