The government has extended its NHS choice agenda to include community and mental health services.
It means NHS patients will be able to choose the provider of these services whether that be NHS, independent sector, or voluntary or third sector organisations. The list of services recommended by the Department of Health (DoH) as the most suitable for this next step included back and neck pain and diagnostic testing. Previously the option to choose provider when referred by a GP was only available in non-urgent hospital care. Every area across England will be expected to offer more choice in a minimum of three services by September 2012 - either from the recommended list or for an...
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