Choice
Since April 2008, if your GP needs you to see a specialist, you can choose to go to any hospital in England, including many private and independent sector hospitals.*
You can choose the hospital with the best reputation or shortest waiting times, or simply the one that is most convenient for you. In February 2010 the Department of Health conducted a survey to measure the number of patients aware of the choices available to them. View the results of this survey.
It's easy to choose
Simply visit the NHS Choices website, enter the postcode where you live or where you would like to be treated, and check out all the hospitals in that area - NHS and private.
You will also be able to compare information on things like individual services offered, infection rates, parking and travel. You can then book your chosen hospital through your GP practice. For more information, ask your GP practice, download the Choice leaflet, visit the Choice website or contact your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
Hospital scorecards rate hospitals on important facts, including waiting times, MRSA infection rates and overall quality of service. On each hospital's scorecard you can read the comments of others who have used the hospital and see what proportion of users who left a rating would recommend the hospital to a friend.
Films
In addition, these short films on 'YouTube' give good advice on choosing which hospital you attend.
Leaflets
*You might not be given a choice when referred to mental health services or where speed of access is important, such as suspected stroke, heart attack or cancer.