This follows a survey earlier in the year which showed that nine out of 10 local people would like to be able to choose their GP practice.
A similar number would like to choose the hospital they are referred to, as well as the time and date of any appointments, according to the poll of 1,004 people living in Fylde and Wyre.
The online guide includes patients’ rights to making choices about their GP practice, hospital and which healthcare professionals they see. It also includes choice with regard to maternity and community services, as well as end-of-life care.
Dr Tony Naughton, a local GP and clinical chief officer at NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG, said: “Helping patients to make choices about their care is crucial. We know how important choice is to people, and we want to make sure they have the information they need to do this with confidence.”
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The guide to patient choice can be found here.
As well as information about the choices available, it explains what people should do if they believe they have not been offered one. It also highlights that if a patient needs to see a consultant or specialist and has to wait longer than 18 weeks, they have the right to ask to go to another hospital.
The survey of 1,004 people across Fylde and Wyre was undertaken by independent researchers Ipsos MORI on behalf of the CCG. The feedback was used to shape the CCG’s plans, as outlined in the recently published 2030 Vision for Health and Care and five-year Strategic Plan. [/column]
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