Patient Choice Schemes
Commons · Question 129462 · 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 ensure that the merger of NHS England with his Department does not affect patients' right to choose healthcare providers.
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 sets out patients' legal rights to make choices about their healthcare and the merger o...