What is Choose and Book?
Choose and Book is a national electronic booking service which allows patients, to make their first outpatient appointment directly into a clinic within their hospital of choice. This can be done at their GP practice or telephoning the Choose and Book Appointments Line; alternatively appointments can be booked on the internet via a secure website. Since summer 2004, Choose and Book has been introduced across England and continues to be rolled out nationally.
Why is it being introduced?
Research has shown that patients want to be more involved in making decisions around their healthcare. The majority of patients, who are offered a choice of hospital date and time, view the experience as positive and valuable.
Choose and Book reduces the anxiety for patients, as they can leave the GP practice with an appointment in their hand.
Why is Choose and Book beneficial?
When you visit your GP and they decide that you need to be referred to a specialist, Choose and Book shows your GP:
• Which hospitals are available to you.
• What dates and times are available for your first out-patient appointment.
It will help you to:
• Feel less anxious as you do not have to wait for an appointment notification.
• Plan and manage around your existing appointments, if you are currently undergoing treatment.
• Fit your treatment in with other commitments, at home and at work.
• Choose appointments that fit in with your schedule or that of the person who may accompany you to your appointment.
How does Choose and Book work?
When you and your GP agree that an appointment with a specialist is needed, your GP will generate a Unique Booking Reference Number (UBRN) and a password will be issued to you. Choose and Book shows your GP which hospitals or clinics are available for your treatment. Your GP will discuss with you the appropriate choice options available to you.
If you know where and when you would like to be seen, your GP or a member of your practice may be able to book the appointment before you leave. Confirmation of place, date and time will be printed out and given to you to take home.
You may want more time to consider your choices. If so, you can take the appointment request letter away with you and book your appointment later by phoning the Choose and Book Appointments Line (telephone: 0845 608 8888) or visiting the website:
You will need to have your UBRN and password available if you choose to make your appointment at a later date, or if you wish to change or cancel your appointment.
Can follow-up appointments be booked via Choose and Book?
To begin with Choose and Book will only be available for first outpatient appointments.
How secure is the Choose and Book service?
For Choose and Book to work, personal details such as name, address, date of birth and the referral reason, will be sent electronically to your chosen hospital.
Referral information will be held and sent securely and will only be seen by those who are directly involved in delivering your care. Everyone working in the NHS has a legal duty to keep information confidential.
Will Choose and Book make getting an appointment date and time faster?
Yes. The current process is that your GP writes a referral letter and the hospital informs you that you have been placed onto an outpatient waiting list. You will then receive a letter several weeks prior to your appointment date asking you to phone in to arrange a convenient date and time for your appointment. This process takes longer than when an appointment is made through Choose and Book.
What happens if I want to change the hospital I have chosen?
You will need to contact your GP practice to do this.
What happens if I want to change the date and time of my appointment?
If necessary, you will be able to change the date and time of your appointment quickly and easily over the phone by phoning the Choose and Book helpline on 0845 608 8888, or via the internet by visiting the healthspace website
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