HEALTHCARE campaigners have welcomed reforms which allow patients more freedom to choose where they want to be treated.

Patients' groups say the new NHS Patient Choice scheme will force underperforming hospitals such as Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth to "raise their game".

They hope the new initiative will improve standards by encouraging the hospitals to compete' for patients.

The scheme, introduced on January 2, gives patients who have been referred for treatment by GPs the right to choose between at least four hospitals.

Last month News Shopper revealed how Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, is facing debts of up to £100m in the next four years.

The hospital also scored a zero-star rating in last year's annual assessment by the Healthcare Commission.

Chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) forum William Bruce hopes Patient Choice will have a positive effect.

He said: "I think it is a marvellous idea. I'm all for patients having more power.

"Queen Elizabeth should use it as a marketing tool, to encourage people to use the hospital and to raise its game by improving in the areas it needs to."

Lewisham Hospital was rated as a one-star hospital and is also the fourth worst hospital in the country for cases of MRSA.

Lewisham PPI forum chairman Alan Hall said: "Increasing choices for patients can only be a good thing.

"The hospital is already making changes but there is plenty of room for improvement and this can only help."

Lewisham Hospital chief executive Claire Perry admits there will be "teething problems" initially but is confident the scheme will succeed in the long term.

She said: "Giving patients a choice of where and when they receive their treatment is excellent for the patients.

"It also puts an impetus on those of us working in the health service to make sure we are providing a service which patients want."

TAKE YOUR PICK
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt says Patient Choice will allow patients "to choose services which best meet their individual needs and preferences".
The scheme means patients can choose between at least four hospitals or clinics when they need non-urgent treatment.
A survey carried out by the Department of Health last summer showed nine out of 10 GPs are in favour of the new scheme.
Patients can book appointments via the new Choose and Book system. This can be done by calling 0845 608 8888.
Information booklets giving more details on the reforms can be found at most GP surgeries and libraries.