It's your choice

Giving people more choice is a priority of the modern NHS. This is because research in the UK and overseas has shown that treatments are more effective if patients choose, understand and control their care.

Your choices include:

• the right to choose a GP in your area and to change to another if you're not happy with the service you receive
• the right to choose which hospital to go to if your GP refers you to see a specialist
• the right to be involved in decisions about your healthcare and to be given the information you need to do this

for a full list of your guaranteed choices within the NHS go to rights and pledges.

These aren't the only choices you can make. There are choices in your lifestyle, decisions about your treatment, and even the way in which you interact with doctors and other health professionals that can all affect your health.

To get the full benefit of the health service it's essential to give careful consideration to these other choices too.

Dealing with health professionals

How we interact with NHS professionals can make a difference to our experience of the health service.

The NHS promises to involve patients in decisions about all aspects of their healthcare. Research has shown that involving patients in healthcare decisions improves the success of the treatment. Indeed, doctors expect and welcome questions from their patients.

Many people don't prepare before they see their doctor. This can mean you don't get the information and help you need from an appointment and it can be frustrating for the person you're seeing.

Spending 10 minutes before the appointment writing down what you'd like to communicate and the questions you'd like answered can transform both the appointment and your relationship with the person you're meeting.

For more tips on dealing with NHS professionals and understanding the services available, go to:

• Questions to ask your doctor. Download this checklist as a reminder for your next appointment
• Your choices. Simple tips, including how to choose a GP who meets your needs and how to make a complaint when things go wrong
• Rights and pledges. What you can and should expect from the NHS, including your right to combine private and NHS care and to receive drugs and treatments that have been recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)
• Choose and Book. The online service that allows you to book your own hospital appointments

What is Choose and Book?

When you and your GP agree you need an appointment, you can choose which hospital or clinic you go to. You will also be able to choose the date and time of your appointment.

What does Choose and Book mean for me?

As well as giving you a choice of hospital, date and time for your appointment, Choose and Book will also give you the ability to:

• plan and manage around your existing appointments, if you are currently undergoing treatment
• fit your treatment in with your other commitments, at home and at work
• choose appointments that fit with your carer's schedule
• check the status of your referral and to change or cancel your appointments easily over the phone or on the internet.

Visit the Choose and Book website for further details.