Patient choice publicised on buses

11:45pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

Patients across the district can now choose anywhere in the country for hospital treatment - be it closer to home, near to family and friends or where there is a shorter waiting list.

For some time patients have been able to choose between local hospitals but now that choice has been extended to the whole of England where care is funded by the NHS.

To get the message across advertisements are now running on buses.

"People will still be able to go to their local hospital as before," said Teresa Dakin, primary care improvement and development lead at Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust (tPCT).

"But they now have a greater choice, including NHS and many independent or private hospitals. This means patients can make a choice which suits them and their individual circumstances, giving them greater convenience and peace of mind."

It will be the responsibility of GPs and practice staff to help patients make a choice of hospitals.

Patients can also visit the NHS Choices website at nhs.uk and once their GP has suggested a referral, patients can call 08456 088 888.

Some libraries have staff who have been trained to help people access the information they need.