What is Choose and Book?
Choose and Book is a system that allows NHS patients in England
to choose where they wish to receive their treatment ,and book a
chosen appointment using an electronic booking service.
The service allows patients to choose a place, date and time for
outpatient appointments. This choice can be made with the GP at the
GP surgery or can be made at a later time via the telephone or the
internet.
For a list of Ramsay facilities currently providing Choose
and Book services
click here.
How can I make a choice?
Your GP or referrer will give you a unique booking reference
number. You can then access a service comparison screen of the
facilities you would like to compare on www.nhs.uk.
If you do not wish to make a choice your GP can still make the
decision for you.
How does Choose and Book work?
If you and your GP agree you need to see a specialist, your GP
can log onto the Choose and Book system and show you which
hospitals are available for treatment.
If you know where you would like to go or would like your GP to
decide for you, you may be able to book before leaving and will be
given a time, place and date.
If you wish to make your own choice, you can decide and book at
a later time once you have made your decision.
There are a number of ways you can book your appointment, please
view these below.
Manual referral*
Post or fax the GP referral letter to the administration team at
your local Ramsay facility.
*Not applicable to all Ramsay units.
Choose and Book Indirectly Bookable Service (IBS)
Contact your local Ramsay facility directly with your UBRN
(unique booking reference number) number and book an
outpatient appointment.
Choose and Book Directly Bookable Service (DBS)
The GP or patient can book an outpatient appointment directly
into the Ramsay facility via either of three methods:
- book via GP Surgery
- book online via the Choose and Book website www.chooseandbook.nhs.uk
- or book via the National Telephone Appointment Line: 0845 608
8888
How can Choose and Book benefit me?
According to the Choose and Book website, the system will
"transform the patients' experience of the NHS". They list the
benefits as follows:
- Patients have a choice of time and place, which will enable
them to fit their treatment in with their life, not the other way
round
- Patients experience more certainty when they receive their
appointment quickly, reducing anxiety
- Patients are able to discuss their treatment options so that
they experience a more personalised health service
- Patients have the ability to manage the appointments themselves
including out of hours and online, removing the current need to
contact the GP practice to follow up referrals
- Potentially shorter waiting times for appointments, because of
the availability of choice from a number of providers.
The Department of Health's policy is that patients should have
their initial outpatient appointment within 18 weeks of the
referral and receive treatment within six months of the
diagnosis.