Choose and Book

The way we make referrals to hospitals has recently changed.  Previously we were able to write to specific consultants in hospitals, and appointments would then have been sent to patients. 

We now use a system called "Choose and Book", which is an online referral system, where appointments can be made during the consultation.  Appointments can only be made in certain clinics, so referrals to specific consultants are not usually possible.  However, a choice of hospitals is always made available to patients.

Patients can often leave the surgery with a clinic appointment, or collect paperwork at reception in order to make their own booking online, or by phone.  The paperwork should contain an ID number (or UBRN), along with a randomly generated password.  By contacting the Choose and Book service, patients can then book an appointment at their convenience. 

On the whole, the doctors have been very positive about the Choose and Book system.  It takes a little extra time in the consultation, and the website is occassionally troublesome.  The benefits to patients more than compensate for the complexities of the system, and the ability to select a preferred hospital and appointment time has proved very popular.

For more information see Choose and Book Website.

If you experience any difficulties with making your Choose and Book appointment, please contact the practice.