Choose and Book

We started using Choose and Book in February 2006 and now use it whenever possible - over 50% of referrals are made this way. It depends on the hospital department having joined the service and on their having appointments available on the website:

• You choose the hospital you would like to go to.
• We search for the most suitable appointment for you over the internet
• We book the appointment (this can be done by your GP or our Choose & Book clerk - or you can do it yourself).
• You are given a unique booking reference number (UBRN) and a password.
• The referral letter is sent later, electronically
• If you need to change or cancel your appointment you can do so by telephone or internet using your UBRN and password.
• If you have problems you can call us; we can monitor the progress of your referral.

Standard Referral

These are used when hospital departments are not on the Choose & Book system, for local and community referrals (physiotherapist, dietician, midwife, counsellor etc), for situations where there is no choice (eg mental health) and for emergencies, admissions and priority cancer referrals.

• Where a choice exists we offer you a choice.
• Your doctor writes a referral letter to the relevant department.
• The department writes to you with an appointment.
• If you need to change or cancel your appointment you can do so by telephone to the number on the appointment letter.
• Please don't call us; we have no information about the progress of your referral.