Written questions

Patient Choice Schemes

Commons · Question 129461 · Tabled 23 Apr 2026 · Department of Health and Social Care · Official record

Answered 29 Apr 2026

Question

Asked by Bob Blackman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to increase the proportion of patients being offered a choice of providers upon referral.

Answer

Answered by Zubir Ahmed, 29 Apr 2026

Patients have a legal right to choose where they go for their first appointment when referred to consultant-led care as an outpatient. The NHS Constitution for England and the NHS Standing Rules Regulations set out patients' legal rights to make choices a...