PATIENTS in Mid Cheshire will be put in control of their own treatment under a pilot scheme which could slash waiting times for operations.
NHS Direct in Cheshire has been chosen to play a key role in the introduction of Patient Choice - a pioneering scheme aimed at those who have been waiting months for medical attention.
Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority has launched a pilot offering patient choice for those who have waited more than six months for an operation. Under the new scheme patients will be able to choose from a range of alternative providers that can offer treatment more quickly.
NHS Direct will be running the Patient Contact Centre (PCC), which will be responsible for helping patients through the process of identifying earlier dates for surgery and offering a choice of hospitals that can provide the treatment. The PCC will coordinate both the Trusts with waiting lists and those that have the capacity to treat the patient earlier.
Director of NHS Direct in Cheshire Joanne Royle said: 'The main role of the PCC will be to guide the patient through the process leading up to the operation. Patient care advisors will be available to take away the many anxieties that surround having to go into hospital for a surgical procedure, keeping patients informed of their options every step of the way.'
The PCC will offer a choice of alternative hospitals to the patient, arrange bookings and confirm the dates of treatment. It will also offer and arrange transport if required and keep the patient's GP fully informed of the progress.
* NHS Direct is a nurse-led service offering confidential healthcare advice and information 24 hours a day on 0845 4647. Alternatively, a fully interactive website can be found at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.
