About Choose and Book

Why is the new Choose and Book service being introduced?

At the moment, if your GP decides you need to see a specialist, they write a letter, and the hospital allocates a date. That process can take several weeks, and the date offered may not suit you.

The new Choose and Book service will mean that you can fit your hospital appointment in with your life, not the other way round.

You will have a choice of where and when suits you to be treated.

How does Choose and Book work?

If your GP decides that you need to see a specialist, he/she will print out an ‘Appointment Request’ form, which includes your Unique Booking Reference Number and lists the hospitals or local services available to you.

You will be able to choose from this list and book an appointment by calling your chosen hospital or local service. You can call straight away after seeing your GP or at anytime up to two weeks later, if you want to think more about your choice or preferred appointment date and time.

Your password and reference number

A password will be printed out on a separate sheet of paper and given to you with your Appointment Request. This will be used to make sure your information is kept secure on the computer system. When you call your chosen hospital they will identify you by your password and the reference number on your Appointment Request form.

Making your Choice

• You will usually be able to choose from a menu of four or five hospitals or other local services e.g. Specialist GPs.
• Your GP might recommend a particular hospital or local service to you.
• You can get information on the various hospitals and services via www.healthspace.nhs.uk. You will need to enter your reference number, password and date of birth. Once your choice options are displayed, click 'Compare services' for a useful comparison screen for your individual choices.
• Alternatively you can call the Choose and Book Appointments Line on 0845 6088888 for further information. The Appointments Line has interpretation and text telephone facilities.
• You may want to compare the waiting times, star ratings or transport and parking arrangements.
• You may want to check with work, family and friends before booking your appointment.
• The hospital you choose for your first appointment will then be responsible for your care, including surgery and follow-up treatment if required.
• Once you have made your choice, the next step is to call your chosen hospital or local service to book your appointment.

Booking your appointment

• The telephone number for your chosen hospital or local service will be on the Appointment Request form.
• You will need your password and ‘Unique Booking Reference Number’ ready when you book or change your appointment.
• Your chosen hospital or local service will offer you a choice of date and time for your appointment.

next >> Choose and Book process diagram

top