The Department of Health has today issued new guidance entitled: "Responsibilities and operational requirements for the correct use of Choose and Book".

94% of GP practices now use Choose and Book as their standard method of referral.

Health Minister Mike O'Brien said: "We know that Choose and Book works well for many thousands of people every day, giving patients much greater involvement in the decisions about their healthcare. When properly implemented, Choose and Book can provide significant benefits not only for patients, but also for referrers, providers and the wider NHS by delivering choice, certainty, security and reliability."

The guidance covers 10 areas as well as a summary of responsibilities:

• Clinicians using the system themselves
• Free choice
• Promoting the use of Choose and Book
• Acting on behalf of referring clinicians
• Technical support
• Referrals to named clinicians
• Clinicians reviewing referrals online
• Training
• Availability of appointment slots on Choose and Book
• Directory of services

 To read the guidance in full, please click here