1) Introduction
Who is this information aimed at?
This information is for everyone who needs to see a specialist in a hospital. It explains how the new Choose and Book service works. It allows you, with your GP and the practice team, to choose your hospital and book an appointment using an electronic service.
Why is the new Choose and Book service being introduced?
At the moment, if your GP decides you need to see a specialist, they write a letter, and the hospital allocates a date. That process can take several weeks, and the date offered may not suit you.
The new Choose and Book service will mean that you can fit your hospital appointment in with your life, not the other way round.
You will have the choice of where and when it suits you to be treated.
In pilots, patients have told us that they like the convenience of booking on the spot, and the chance to choose the hospital they would like to attend.
 I didn't have to wait to hear from the hospital - that saved me worrying |
2) 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 of your choice from a list of five providers and then book an appointment. Your GP, or one of the practice team, will take you through the options available to you.
3) Your Password and Reference Number
You will need to agree a password with your GP or one of the practice team. This will be used to make sure your information is kept secure on the computer system. You will also be given a reference number for your appointment, in case you need to change it.
4) Choosing Your Hospital
- You will be able to choose from a menu of five hospitals, as well as choices from the Extended Choice Network
- You can obtain information on the various hospitals either at your GP practice, your hospital or online
- You may want to choose the first available appointment
- Or you may want to choose a particular hospital
- Once you have selected your hospital, the next step is to decide the date and time of your appointment.
5) Choosing the date and time of your appointment
- You can select a date and time, and book your appointment before you leave the GP practice.
- You will be given an appointment confirmation slip with the date, time, hospital of your choice and your reference number.
- You may want to check with work, family and friends before booking your appointment.
- If you want to book your appointment later you can do this either by telephone or on the internet.
- You will need your password and reference number ready when you book or change your appointment.
6) The three simple steps for choosing and booking your hospital appointments.
7) Amending the appointment
You can change the date and time of your appointment by telephoning the Choose and Book Appointments Line, or via the internet. Your GP practice team will give you the telephone number for the Choose and Book Appointments Line, and the internet address. You will need your password and reference number ready if you do this.
If you want to change your choice of hospital you must go back to your GP.
8) About Choose and Book
Is Choose and Book available everywhere?
Since 01 January 2006 everyone in England has been able to choose, from a list of hospitals, where and when they are seen for their initial appointment.
Choose and Book is available throughout England. Primary Care Trusts and GP Practices are currently rolling out this service across the country.
Can you book all appointments through Choose and Book?
Initially, Choose and Book will only apply to your first 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 held on computer, and sent to your chosen hospital (many GP Practices already store your patient information on computer). Booking information will be held and sent very securely; it will only be seen by those involved in booking your appointment and caring for you at the place where you are booked.
Whether it is on paper or computer, everyone working in the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential.
9) Where Can I Find Out More Information?
If your GP decides you need to be referred, you will be given all the information you need for your appointment:
- the hospital details
- who to contact if you want to book your appointment from home
- or if you need to change the booking at a later date
You can also find more detailed information, and answers to the most commonly asked questions at http://www.chooseandbook.nhs.uk
I was referred to the receptionist and I watched her make the appointment... it was done immediately - it was very quick.
- Patient, electronic booking pilot site |