Referrals – What is Choose & Book?

This section will explain what happens If you have been referred by your GP for an appointment with a healthcare provider. After it has been agreed a referral is to be arranged the requesting Doctor will dictate a letter compiling all the relevant information needed by the healthcare provider. This will is then sent to our Medical Secretary who prepares the referral letter.

Why Choose & Book?

• Most services are available for you to book via Choose and Book.

• You can choose the date and time of your appointment to suit your schedule.

• You can think about your choices, compare different options and book your appointment at a later stage.

Request Letter:

You will receive within 3 weeks a request letter created by the Medical Secretary with the following:

• Unique booking reference number
• NHS Number
• A List of hospitals / clinics to choose from
• Password

This letter will allow you to book your appointment via Choose and Book either over the phone using:

Telephone –  The Appointments Line 0345 6088888

Online         –  Click here for the Online booking

Flexibility:

Choose and Book will also give you the ability to:

• plan and manage your appointments around any 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 change or cancel your appointments easily, either over the phone or online

You can find more information about your choices and choosing a hospital by clicking here

Further Information & Contacts:

More than 90% of healthcare providers allow you to book your appointment through Choose and Book online or via The Appointments Line. Where this is not possible, this will be indicated on your Appointment Request letter by a picture of a phone next to the relevant provider. You will then have to book directly with the hospital or service using the phone number indicated on the letter.

More information about how to use Choose and Book by clicking here

If you can’t find the answer to your particular question in the FAQ section, or you want to raise any concerns, you can contact Choose and Book:

• Telephone:          01908 259896      (The Appointments Line / Customer Services line open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, excluding bank holidays)
• Email:                  chooseandbook@nhs.net