Choice at Referral – Guidance - Framework for 2007/08 - 1 Jun ‘07

This document supplements existing guidance on choice at referral policy and implementation by setting out a framework to govern the further extension of choice in 2007/08.

The Operating Framework for 2007/08 noted that extended choice was to be rolled out further as new Foundation Trusts, ISTCs and IS providers were added to the national menu. By April 2008, the commitment to free choice in elective care means that all patients needing planned elective care will be able to choose to  be treated by any provider that meets eligibility criteria and NHS clinical and financial standards.

To ease the transition towards a free choice environment, during 2007/08, there will be a phased implementation of free choice on a specialty-by-specialty basis. This guidance for 2007/08 is based on the guidance issued for 2006/07 for the roll-out of the Extended Choice Network (ECN).1 Further details regarding free choice in elective care in 2008/09 will be included in the Operating Framework for 2008/09.
Copy of Guidance
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