ELIGIBLE patients in Wyre Forest can now choose which hospital they want to carry out their treatment.

Since the beginning of this month, patients have had the right to be offered a choice of at least four hospitals or clinics when they need to see specialists for further treatment.

Eamonn Kelly, acting chief executive of Wyre Forest Primary Care Trust said: "Choice is now a reality here in Wyre Forest. The changes mark a new way of accessing secondary care.

"When a patient is referred to a specialist for further treatment, they will be provided with the information they need to make a choice about which hospital or clinic appointment is best for them."

Mr Kelly added: "They can then book the appointment there and then but patients also have the option to take away information about their local hospitals and make their choice later."

Janie Thomas, chairman of Wyre Forest's Patient and Public Involvement Forum, said: "This is excellent news for patients.

"However, choice will only work to the full if patients exercise their new rights to choose.

"I hope that patients will work with the health professionals to make the best use of this new system."

There are various ways patients can get information and book their appointments, including a new "Choose and Book" computer system, over the phone or using the internet.

It is intended that when a patient leaves a surgery, they will have made a choice or know exactly what the next step will be.

Dr James Goodman, chairman of the Wyre Forest Professional Executive Committee and a GP, said: "NHS staff have worked very hard to ensure that the new system is up and running on time.

"It will take some time for everybody to get used to patient choice but I am confident that the benefits will be worth it."