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<p>Last year, the Government set out how it will make it easier for patients to exercise
their choice by improving the NHS App, increasing choice for patients already on waiting
lists, and raising awareness of patients’ right to choose.</p><p>At the point of referral,
for example at a general practice (GP) appointment, patients will be actively offered
a list of providers which are clinically appropriate for their condition. This will
be a minimum of five providers where possible. Patients will also be informed of their
right to choose and encouraged to raise this at the time of the referral.</p><p>Since
the commitments made by the Government in May 2023, we have seen an increase in the
number of patients being offered choice at the point of referral. The Department does
not hold data regarding patients choosing between a hospital and clinic for their
first outpatient appointment each month. The Department has also not made an estimate
of how many patients were aware, before visiting their GP, of their right to choose
the provider for their first outpatient appointment.</p><p>In autumn last year, the
Department ran a press partnership campaign to raise awareness and increase understanding
of choice. Furthermore, the Department has recently launched a marketing campaign,
aimed at all adults, to increase awareness of a patient's right to choose where they
receive their hospital care, as well as encourage more people to actively make a choice.</p>
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