A PRIVATE hospital leader in Droitwich has welcomed news that NHS patients will have the right to choose from a ‘shortlist of local hospitals when receiving care in Worcestershire.
The government has published an Elective Care Plan which commits to give NHS patients the right to choose from a ‘shortlist’ of local hospitals – including providers in the independent sector paid for by the NHS.
Local private hospital leader Claire Davenport, who runs The Droitwich Spa Hospital, hailed this development as ‘a game-changer for NHS patients in Worcestershire.’
Previously, whilst the NHS Constitution committed to offering patients choice over their care, in practice GPs tend to refer patients to the local NHS hospital automatically, leaving them facing long waiting times in many cases.
The new health secretary, Wes Streeting, yesterday committed to offering patients a choice of five hospitals at the point of referral.
The health secretary explained the move will allow patients to consider factors surrounding their care such as choosing to travel further to be seen faster, wait longer to remain local, or go to the hospital with the best reputation for treating their condition.
Claire Davenport, executive director of The Droitwich Spa Hospital, said: “This step will give hope to so many families who are worried about long waits when they need vital treatment.
“Very often there are NHS appointments going spare at local private hospitals, and patients don’t realise or aren’t told they have the right to see the waiting times and results data at all local hospitals, and then to make an informed choice about where to have their operation.”
Visit https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/reforming-elective-care-for-patients.pdf for more information.
