Patient requests to move provider – 'alternative choice'

Date of release: 31 October 2023

As part of the drive to reduce elective waiting lists, NHS trusts are now proactively contacting patients who have been waiting more than 40 weeks*, and do not have an appointment date within the next eight weeks, to consider their options to see if they could be seen sooner at a different hospital. (*some clinical exclusions apply).

Eligible patients will be contacted directly by the NHS trust or independent sector provider they are currently under the care of.

Please do not contact your GP practice or NHS hospital proactively regarding this offer.

Eligible patients will be provided with more information in regards to the process when they are contacted by their hospital.

Alternative Choice FAQs (PDF, 103Kb)