Patient choice must be more than just gimmicks - Lamb

Commenting on yesterday's announcement by Patricia Hewitt regarding patient choice, including a 'super website' and pilot projects in public libraries, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb MP said:

"The Government is finally giving people information to make health choices - almost three years after they first introduced choose and book. That's quite a wait.

"Some of these initiatives smack of gimmickry. How can a librarian match the guidance given by a highly trained GP?

"Rather than promoting a website offering people a superficial choice between different hospitals, we must genuinely engage with patients about decisions regarding their treatment and the most appropriate clinician.

"Until that happens, the Government's talk of 'choice' will remain an overused mantra amounting to very little."