Written Question
Monday 15th April 2024
Asked by:
Barry Sheerman (Labour (Co-op) - Huddersfield)
Question
to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether all NHS hospitals provide the right for patients to choose where they receive treatment; and whether this right is affected by where a patient lives.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson
- Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
In England, the NHS Constitution allows patients to be treated by any provider who holds a contract for the provision of National Health Services. This includes the independent sector, who already hold multiple contracts with integrated care boards (ICBs) across the country to provide additional capacity to the NHS.
Last year, the Government set out how it will make it easier for patients to exercise their choice by improving the NHS App, increasing choice for patients already on waiting lists, and raising awareness of patients’ right to choose.
At the point of referral, for example at a general practice appointment, patients will be actively offered a list of providers which are clinically appropriate for their condition. This will be a minimum of five providers where possible. Patients will also be informed of their right to choose, and encouraged to raise this at the time of the referral.
Patients can be referred to services outside of their local ICB geography when exercising their legal right of choice of provider and team, if the service meets the criteria to be an appropriate choice for patients. Where there is limited choice in the local vicinity or region of a patient, alternative national providers will be offered.
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 25 Mar 2024
Oral Answers to Questions
Speech Link
View all Barry Sheerman (LAB - Huddersfield) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Division Vote (Commons)
25 Mar 2024 - Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords] -
View Vote Context
Barry Sheerman (LAB) voted Aye
- in line with the party majority
and against the House
One of
120 Labour Aye votes vs
0 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 171 Noes - 265
Division Vote (Commons)
25 Mar 2024 - Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords] -
View Vote Context
Barry Sheerman (LAB) voted Aye
- in line with the party majority
and against the House
One of
121 Labour Aye votes vs
0 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 171 Noes - 265
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 21 Mar 2024
Oral Answers to Questions
Speech Link
View all Barry Sheerman (LAB - Huddersfield) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 21 Mar 2024
Business of the House
Speech Link
View all Barry Sheerman (LAB - Huddersfield) contributions to the debate on: Business of the House
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 20 Mar 2024
Hong Kong Security Legislation
Speech Link
View all Barry Sheerman (LAB - Huddersfield) contributions to the debate on: Hong Kong Security Legislation
Division Vote (Commons)
19 Mar 2024 - Trade (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) Bill [Lords] -
View Vote Context
Barry Sheerman (LAB) voted Aye
- in line with the party majority
and against the House
One of
152 Labour Aye votes vs
0 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 219 Noes - 306
Division Vote (Commons)
18 Mar 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill -
View Vote Context
Barry Sheerman (LAB) voted No
- in line with the party majority
and against the House
One of
181 Labour No votes vs
0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 322 Noes - 249
Division Vote (Commons)
18 Mar 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill -
View Vote Context
Barry Sheerman (LAB) voted No
- in line with the party majority
and against the House
One of
179 Labour No votes vs
0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 320 Noes - 250