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Do you know your choices?

 
29 June 2009

Did you know that only 53 per cent of Greenwich residents know their healthcare rights?

Better, fairer access to health care is one of the current key objectives from the NHS.

After all, it's your health, your choice.

The introduction of free choice and extended GP hours means that patients have more control over who, where and when they see a medical professional.

What is free choice?

The introduction of free choice means that patients referred to see a specialist, can now choose where to be treated.

They can choose from any hospital that meets NHS standards, which includes many private hospitals as well as all NHS providers.

Under free choice, if you and your GP decide that you need specialist treatment, you will be able to choose the hospital that best suits your needs.

For more information on free choice, please visit the NHS Choices website.

Does my GP practice offer extended hours?

More than 40 GP practices in Greenwich are now open longer hours. With longer hours and more surgeries, you now have greater choice over where and when to see a doctor.

This means that if you wish to see a doctor early in the morning, in the evening or weekends you can.

To find out which practices offer extended hours, you can call the Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 16 99 928 or visit the NHS Choices website.


Did you know?

Did you know that as well as free choice and longer GP hours, you have many other options available to you when it comes to healthcare?

Did you know that:
    • pharmacies offer more than just medicine, they could be your first call for advice on minor illnesses, such as coughs and colds.
    • you can now expect treatment for non-emergencies to start within 18 weeks.
    • there is now more access to care services, giving you more choice about the care you receive. 
    • if you suffer from a long-term illness, such as asthma, MS or diabetes there is lot of local support to help you stay as healthy and independent as possible.
More information and advice on these choices are available at the NHS Choices website. 

Further information

To find out just how many ways you can access the NHS, you can ask your local GP, visit the NHS website or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

If you would like to talk to someone about treatment or if you are suffering from a particular condition, talk to your local Patient Liaison Service (PALS).

Whether you are a patient, carer, friend or relative, PALs are there to offer help and advise. Call NHS Direct to find out where your local PALS is.

Alternatively, visit our 24-hour health care pages for further advice and guidance.

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