Transforming the way you are treated within the NHS.......

The NHS has made a major commitment that no-one will have to wait more than 18 weeks from seeing their GP to receiving treatment from a specialist after being referred by the GP.  It is a bold commitment and has involved a major re-thinking of the way in which patients are referred and treated.

The outcome of this thinking is a system which offers the patient far greater choice in when and where they will be treated and puts the patient in control of making an appointment convenient to them.

You may have come across expressions such as 18 Weeks Pathway, Choice and Choose and Book. These are all elements of this new exciting patient journey. All you need to remember is that the end goal is providing you with a faster and more convenient treatment.

The journey begins

Having visited your GP, if it is decided you need to be referred to see a specialist, you will now have to wait a maximum of 18 weeks for treatment. Of course, depending on the nature of your complaint, it could be a lot less.

A key part of the new system is that you can now choose where and when to have your treatment from a list of hospitals or clinics. Your GP will be able to advise you, there and then, of your options, so do ask for your GP’s help.  

Depending upon the treatment needed, patients within the NHS North East Essex area will have a choice of the local hospital providers listed below:

If you do not want to be treated at one of these hospitals for whatever reason, or if your condition can be best treated elsewhere, your GP will be able to tell you about your choice of other hospitals across England.

Choose and Book 

Having decided where you want to be treated, you can then enjoy control and flexibility when it comes to booking your appointment. The Choose and Book website explains how this happens.

A two-way commitment

All providers with whom NHS North East Essex have contracts commit to ensuring you will receive treatment within 18 weeks of receiving your GP referral letter.

You, the patient, will need to be ready and available for treatment.

You can help make it work

Achieving this ambitious 18-weeks target has involved some major re-thinking on behalf of the NHS. It is equally important that patients play their part, primarily by ensuring they keep their appointments. Every month, thousands of people simply don’t turn up for GP appointments. This means thousands of other people who need to see their GP are being denied an earlier appointment.

It is vitally important to cancel an appointment as soon as possible if it cannot be kept. This will help your GP and other health professionals meet challenging targets which have been set to benefit you, the patient.

Similarly, once you have an appointment with a specialist, it is very important to notify the hospital or clinic as soon as you know you cannot make the appointment. 

Help the NHS to help you.

At a glance:

• From December 2008, you will be treated by a specialist within a maximum 18 weeks from being referred by your GP.
• Your GP practice will offer you a choice of hospitals for your appointment/treatment.
• You can either make the appointment whilst at your GP surgery or later at your own convenience using the Choose and Book electronic booking system.
• Your appointment will be confirmed in writing by your chosen hospital.