What Is NHS Right To Choose?
What Is NHS Right To Choose?
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The NHS Right to Choose is a policy in England that gives patients the legal right to choose their healthcare provider for certain non-emergency treatments and services. This means that if your GP refers you for a physical or mental health condition, you can decide which hospital or service you'd like to attend, including some private hospitals that offer NHS services. You may also be able to choose your clinical team, led by a consultant or named healthcare professional.
The NHS Right to Choose applies if:
Your GP needs to refer you for non-emergency treatment or tests, such as an ADHD assessment or an Autistic Spectrum Disorder assessment.
You are not a member of the armed forces, a prisoner, or on temporary release from prison.
You are not detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.
You are registered with a GP in England.
How to use your Right to Choose:
Talk to your GP about the different hospitals or services that could provide your treatment, after doing some research. Remember:
Your chosen provider has to have a contract with an NHS Integrated Care Board or an NHS Trust in order for you to be referred to them under Right To Choose.
Not all Right To Choose providers provide an identical service. If ADHD medication as an option is important to you, be sure to choose a provider that offers this service.
You can't use Right To Choose twice for the same 'treatment'.
Ask your GP to refer you to your chosen provider. Not all GPs will be aware of Right To Choose—many providers have letters you can take to your GP explaining the legal basis for using Right To Choose, and how they carry out a referral. You can also show them this guidance from NHS England.
You can always transfer back to NHS care at a later point if you would like to, e.g. for ongoing management of your condition.
Benefits of using your Right to Choose:
Greater control over your care and treatment. Some providers provide services that aren't available with your local NHS provider.
More convenient location or appointment times. A lot of Right To Choose providers offer more evening and weekend appointments compared to NHS providers.
Right To Choose providers often have have shorter waiting times than NHS providers, and the difference can be stark.
The NHS Right to Choose is a valuable right that can help you get the best possible care. If you have any questions, talk to your GP or another healthcare professional.
Who Is Part of Right To Choose?
Who Is Part of Right To Choose?
The below is not an exhaustive list. Unfortunately, NHS England and NHS Integrated Care Boards do not keep a central record of which providers fall under the scheme(!) so this list will likely never be exhaustive, regardless of how much we add.
Current Waiting Times: 8—10 months
Where: Colchester, Chelmsford and Braintree (Essex)
ADHD:
Adults: ✅ Young People: ❌ Medication: ❌
ASD:
Adults: ❌ Young People: ✅
Appointments are usually in-person, but can be remote if deemed suitable.
Current Waiting Times: 9—12 months (recruitment is underway to reduce this)
Where: Basingstoke, Hampshire
ADHD:
Adults: ❌ Young People: ✅ Medication: ✅
ASD:
Adults: ❌ Young People: ✅
Appointments are usually in-person, but can be remote if deemed suitable.
Current Waiting Times: 8—10 months
Where: London
ADHD:
Adults: ✅ Young People: ❌ Medication: ❌
ASD:
Adults: ✅ Young People: ✅
Appointments are always remote/virtual.
Current Waiting Times: 5—6 months
Where: Manchester
ADHD:
Adults: ✅ Young People: ⚠️ (14+ only) Medication: ✅
ASD:
Adults: ❌ Young People: ❌
Appointments are always remote/virtual.
Current Waiting Times: 12+ months
Where: Camelford, Cornwall
ADHD:
Adults: ✅ Young People: ❌ Medication: ✅
ASD:
Adults: ✅ Young People: ❌
Appointments are always remote/virtual.
Current Waiting Times: 5—6 months
Where: London
ADHD:
Adults: ✅ Young People: ⚠️ (coming soon) Medication: ✅
ASD:
Adults: ✅ Young People: ⚠️ (coming soon)
Appointments are always remote/virtual.
Current Waiting Times: 12+ months
Where: Halifax, Yorkshire
ADHD:
Adults: ✅ Young People: ✅ Medication: ✅
ASD:
Adults: ✅ Young People: ✅
Appointments are remote/virtual or face-to-face, as desired and balanced with clinical need.
Current Waiting Times: 5—6 months
Where: London
ADHD:
Adults: ✅ Young People: ❌ Medication: ✅
ASD:
Adults: ✅ Young People: ❌
Appointments are always remote/virtual.
Current Waiting Times: 1 month
Where: Norfolk, Norwich
ADHD:
Adults: ❌ Young People: ⚠️ (coming soon) Medication: ⚠️ (coming soon)
ASD:
Adults: ❌ Young People: ✅
Assessments consist of two virtual and one face-to-face appointment, at present.
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