The public wants more say and greater choice over their NHS healthcare according to a new patient survey carried out by an independent research company on behalf of the Department of Health.

The new survey of 5,000 people reveals that over 80 per cent of patients want more choice over how and where they are treated in the NHS and nearly three quarters of patients want more choice in who provides their hospital care.

Full results of the survey show that:
• 80.88 per cent of respondents want more choice in where they are treated in the NHS
• 78.62 per cent of respondents want more choice in how they are treated in the NHS
• 49.52 per cent of respondents were not aware that they can choose which hospital to go to for non- emergency treatment
• 74.88 per cent of respondents wanted a choice over which hospital consultant is in charge of their care
• 74.62 per cent of respondents wanted a choice over which hospital consultant is in charge over their children’s care.

Women and older people in particular want to see more patient choice in the NHS. Nine out of 10 people over the age of 55 want to have a greater say in how and where they are treated. Under the Government’s modernisation plans, patients will be able to choose, not only where, but which NHS consultant team provides their hospital care.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said:
“This is clear evidence that patients want more choice and control over their healthcare, which is exactly what our plans to modernise the NHS are all about. Patients no longer want to settle for second best – they want what’s best for them and their families and they don’t want to be restricted by geographical boundaries or bureaucratic rules.

Patient choice in the NHS has been very limited, but that is about to change. We want to see a health service that works around patients – not the other way around. The NHS should be there to serve patients and the public – not vested interests. That’s why we’re modernising the NHS and improving patient choice.”