Choosing where to be treated

Most Brighton and Hove patients who need hospital treatment receive it locally but we know that people want more choice about where and when they have hospital treatment.

If your GP refers you to hospital for NHS care, you can choose any hospital in England which provides the specialty you require for NHS patients, including many independent (private) hospitals.

Most patients who are referred by their GP for an outpatient appointment are phoned by an adviser from Brighton and Hove Integrated Care Service (BICS) who discusses where and when they would prefer to be treated, and then makes the necessary arrangements.

There is plenty of information available to help you make a choice that reflects what is most important to you, e.g.

• how close to home is it, and can relatives visit easily?
• does it need special expertise in treating my problem?
• must it have good disabled access?
• how well is it tackling healthcare-acquired infection?

If you want advice or support you can:

• discuss your options with the BICS adviser;
• talk to your GP who will guide you through the process;
• ask a member of the practice staff for information about the choices open to you;
• compare hospitals on NHS Choices
• call 08456 088 888 free of charge and speak to a Choice adviser; 
• visit your local library for Choice information; or
• call our Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0800 013 0251.

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