What is Choose and Book?

Choose and Book is a new service that allows you to choose your hospital or clinic and book an appointment with a specialist.

Since summer 2004, Choose and Book has been introduced across England. It will eventually be available to all patients.

When you and your GP agree that you need to see a specialist, you will be able to choose from at least four hospitals or clinics. You will also be able to choose the date and time of your appointment.

The benefits of Choose and Book:

You can choose from at least four hospitals
You can also choose the date and time for your appointment.
You experience greater convenience and certainty. With the old system, your hospital or clinic chose the date and time of your appointment. This may not have been convenient for you. With Choose and Book, the choice is yours.
There is less chance that information will get lost in the post because more correspondence takes place through computers.

How does Choose and Book work?

When you and your GP agree that you need an appointment with a specialist, Choose and Book shows your GP which hospitals or clinics are available for your treatment. Your GP discusses with you the appropriate options which are available for treating your medical condition.

If you know where and when you would like to be seen, you may be able to book your appointment before you leave the surgery. You will be given confirmation of the place, date and time of your appointment.

You may want more time to consider your choices. If so, you can take an appointment request letter away with you and book your appointment later.

For more information you can contact your local Primary Care Trust or visit the Choose and Book website: www.chooseandbook.nhs.uk

updated 21/11/07

DIAL Disclaimer
Whilst all the information given in this document was correct at the time of going to press, DIAL Doncaster cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes.

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