
A dramatic expansion of patient choice in the NHS got under way in April 2008.
The introduction of free choice means that patients referred to see a specialist can choose where they will be treated. They can choose from any hospital that meets NHS standards.
The list includes many private hospitals as well as all NHS providers. Between them they offer everything from treatment for cataracts to open-heart surgery.
Under free choice, if you and your GP decide that you need to see a specialist, you'll be able to choose the hospital that best suits your needs.
The surgery has supported this policy for a number of years by using the choose and book system.
If you should decide to go to a hospital somewhere else in the country other than locally you should note that all follow up appointments will be at this hospital.
For more information, click here to visit the NHS Choices website.