Improving access to the hospital for everyone
The Access to Addenbrooke’s initiative is a ‘live’ initiative which will evolve as the campus expands. We now have real-time bus information at bus stops, new bus routes, more secure cycle and motor cycle parking, a new access road from the M11 and the news that Cambridge Guided Bus will come onto site; accessing the Addenbrooke’s campus should get easier in the future.
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What is choice all about?
Patient choice is a national initiative leading to a more patient centric NHS. It enables patients to choose a hospital, with an appointment date and time convenient to them. Since January 2006 patients have been given the choice of at least four healthcare providers if they need to seek specialist opinion.
How does choice fit into the patient and public agenda?
The NHS Plan laid out fundamental changes in the delivery of healthcare. One of the core principles was that there ought to be far greater involvement of patients and the public in determining how their healthcare should be delivered. The aim is to make the provision of healthcare services 'fair for all,' giving patients greater involvement and control over their treatment.
How many choice options will be available?
From January 2006, patients requiring elective (planned) care will be offered the choice of four or five providers when their GP refers them. NHS Foundation Trusts will be added to GPs’ choice menus, as will the Independent Sector during 2006. By 2008, patients will be able to choose any healthcare provider in England meeting NHS standards.
What benefits are expected for patients?
The benefits of the patient choice should include increased involvement for the patient, faster treatment, reduced variation in standards between Trusts and greater equality of choice.
In the long term, choice is expected to reduce waste in the NHS by better use of resources and capacity, and the increased involvement of patients in their treatment. Specifically, benefits are expected through using the extra or spare capacity in hospitals around the country meaning NHS resources will be used more efficiently. There is also likely to be a reduction in the number of missed appointments, as patients take more control of their own care.
What if a patient does not want to make a choice?
Some patients will always prefer their GP to make the decision for them. Patient choice means respecting patients who choose not to choose; however, it is essential that patients are given the ability to choose.
All NHS hospitals will need to continue to work with each other and with Primary Care Trusts to make sure patients receive high-quality healthcare, wherever the patient chooses to go. By linking the choices patients make to the resources hospitals receive, NHS money will follow the patient. This will act as a stimulus for the hospital or provider to make sure waiting times are as low as they can be and that the care is of the highest standard, to 'attract' patients to their facility.
How will patients be supported in making their choice?
An electronic booking service known as Choose and Book will allow the GP practice or Appointments Centre to view the list of available choices online. GPs will enter into the computer which specialty their patient needs to be referred to. The Choose and Book system will then display at least four possible service providers.
Patients are also supported by:
• Their GP
• The Patient Choice leaflet (shown on the right)
• An NHS choice website -
• A Patient Choice Adviser
Referrers are supported by:
• The NHS choice website
• A Directory of Services which lists clinical services available at the hospitals, which forms part of Choose and Book system
How can patients make their appointment via Choose & Book?
Patients can either:
• Book their appointment with their GP or the reception staff
• Phone the Choose and Book Appointments Line on 0845 608 8888
• Use the Internet by visiting:
Isn't choice just about reducing waiting times?
The aim of choice is to give patients real choice and involvement, as active partners, in decisions about their treatment. Their decision will often include the factor of how long waiting lists are, as well as ease of access. Choice will give hospitals an incentive to keep waiting lists as low as possible.
Why does the NHS need to rely on private hospitals for treating patients?
A patient may in certain circumstances be able to choose to go to a private hospital for treatment. Although the NHS is expanding, it cannot increase its capacity quickly enough. To ensure patients get faster access to treatment, the extra capacity in the independent sector is sometimes used.
Whenever patients are treated in the independent sector, they remain NHS patients and are treated according to NHS principles and standards (which includes free treatment).
If choice will result in pressure on hospitals to be more efficient, will that mean a cut in staff salaries to become more efficient?
No. The pay modernisation agreements (Agenda for Change, GP salaries and consultant contracts) have been introduced to ensure a national pay system and NHS organisations will not be able to back down on those agreements.
What if a patient does not have transport to an alternative service provider?
Access to some providers, particularly in a rural area like Cambridgeshire, may be difficult for some people.
Transport will be provided for patients in some circumstances. The issue of location and access will, however, be something that the patient will have to consider in making their decision – along with the clinical quality, performance and waiting time of a particular provider and the facilities on offer.
The British Medical Association (BMA) survey of public opinion (MORI, June 2002) showed many patients are prepared to travel a long way for treatment.
Further information
See the Department of Health website for the latest information on choice, including details of the consultation:
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