The NHS is committed to giving patients greater choice and control over how they receive their healthcare. The Health and Care Act 2022 (the 2022 Act) amended the National Health Service Act 2006 (the 2006 Act) putting in place legislative changes that support patient choice.
The NHS Constitution for England sets out the principles and values of the NHS in England and describes in further detail the rights in relation to informed patient choice. The Department of Health and Social Care’s NHS Choice Framework explains the nationally determined choices (including legal rights) patients have on how and where they receive health and care services in the NHS in England.
NHS England (NHSE) have also produced guidance to support commissioners, referrers, and providers in meeting their obligations in relation to patients’ right to choose.
Please see the Right to Choose referrer’s guide and FAQ links below: