Free Choice & New NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)

`Free Choice', which allows patients to be able to choose and to be treated at any hospital in the country for the first time, was launched on April 1, 2008.

The Free Choice initiative means that most patients referred by their GP to see a specialist will be able to opt for any hospital in the country which meets NHS standards and a list of these will be provided via the Choose & Book screens, where doctors clinically assess a referral to be necessary.

There are a number of reasons why patients might choose to go to hospitals outside their immediate vicinity and these include personal experience, location, reputation, hygiene standards, waiting times, good parking and disabled facilities.

Patients will be able to access clear, accurate and independent information from a number of sources i.e.

Asking their GP to guide them, or one of the practice staff to help provide them with information about the options available locally or elsewhere in England
By comparing information about hospitals on the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk
Speaking to an adviser (once their GP has suggested a referral to see a specialist) by calling 08456 088 888, free of charge
By visiting their local library which will have information. Some libraries will also have staff that have been trained to help people access the information they need.

How will it work?

Patient visits his or her GP
The GP decides that they need to see a specialist in a hospital or clinic
The GP will be able to offer a list of available hospitals in England offering NHS treatment and can, via C&B, book an appointment for the patient at a time and place convenient to them, while they are in the surgery
Patients may decide they would like more time to choose to undertake further research or consult with friends of family. To assist them further with this they can consult the NHS Choices website
Once patients have decided which hospital is right for them, they will be able to call the Appointment Line on 08456 088 888 which can offer more information and can book the appointment for them.

Exceptions

Choice of hospital may not be appropriate for all services. The services that will not be available under `free choice' are

Services where speed of access to diagnosis and treatment are particularly important
Emergency attendances/admissions
Patients attending a Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic under the 2 week maximum waiting time
Patients attending cancer services under the 2 week maximum waiting time.

The current regulations for people on low incomes claiming travel expenses from the NHS will therefore be amended to include a broader range of healthcare appointments. From 1st April 2008, eligible patients will be able to claim travel costs for journeys made to receive non-primary medical care following referral by a GP.