REDDITCH patients now have the power to decide where and when they want their hospital treatment.

From January 1, eligible patients will be offered the choice of at least four hospitals or clinics when they need to see a specialist.

There is a range of ways in which patients can get information and book their appointment, including through the new Choose and Book computer system, over the phone, or using the internet. When a patient leaves the GP surgery they will have either made their choice or know exactly what the next step will be to do so.

Redditch and Bromsgrove Primary Care Trust acting chief executive, Gillian Entwhistle, said: "Choice is now a reality here in Redditch and Bromsgrove. 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.

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

Patient and public involvement chairman Alan Tapsell added: "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 professional to make the best use of this new system."

The Kingfisher Shopping Centre will be screening a video during the week commencing January 31 to tell residents more about the new choice system.