National Patient Choice Survey, Wave 6
Since the beginning of 2006, patients have been entitled to a choice of four or more hospitals when referred by their GP. The Department of Health commissioned Ipsos to undertake a regular postal survey assessing the implementation of this policy. The results of the first six surveys indicate that most eligible patients are not receiving any choice of hospital provider, despite government exhortations — although the proportion being offered a choice has improved with each wave of research, from 30% in May/June 2006 to 48% in March 2007.
