Your right to choose your NHS care
We want to give you more choice and control over your health care. This follows the NHS Constitution and the NHS Choice Framework.
What this means for you
You have the right to be involved in decisions about your care and to get clear information to help you choose what is best for you.
Your main choices include:
- Choosing your GP surgery - You can choose which GP surgery to join. The surgery should accept you unless there is a good reason not to. If they say no, they must explain why.
- Choosing a doctor at your GP surgery - You can ask to see a specific doctor and the surgery should try to make this happen where possible.
- Choosing where you are referred - If your GP needs to refer you to a specialist for physical or mental health care, you usually have the right to choose which hospital or service you go to, in line with national rules.
- Being involved in your care - You have the right to be involved in decisions about your treatment and to be given information in a way you can understand.
Getting support to make choices
We work with GPs and other health professionals to make sure they understand your right to choose and can give you the right information at the time of referral.
Other choices that matter
Your health is also affected by everyday choices, such as:
How you look after your health and lifestyle
Decisions you make about your treatment
How you talk and work with doctors and other health professionals
Thinking carefully about all these choices can help you get the most from NHS services.
For more information, please read our Frequently Asked Questions.
To find our more about the referral process and read the NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Choice Statement, go to Your Referral - NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin
To read and download the NHS Patient Choice leaflet, click here patient-leaflet-digital.pdf
