Written question asked by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Monday, 10 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 June 2002. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Thursday, 20 June 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what restrictions will apply to the ability of patients and general practitioners to book hospital appointments at a time and place of the patient's convenience.

Answer: Dr. Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what restrictions will apply to the ability of patients and general practitioners to book hospital appointments at a time and place of the patient's convenience. [61429] Mr. Hutton: On 6 December 2001, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health announced proposals to give patients choice over where they are treated in the national health service. By 2005, all patients and their general practitioners will be able to book hospital appointments at both a time and place that is convenient to the patient. This might include local NHS hospitals, NHS hospitals or diagnostic and treatment centres elsewhere, private hospitals, private diagnostic and treatment centres, or even hospitals overseas. Lessons learned in pilots will be taken forward in the arrangements that operate from 2005.

Secondary information