Making choice work in mental health
A guide for people using mental health services on their legal right to choose a provider that best suits their individual needs and preferences.
When you are referred by a GP to a consultant or specialist in mental health, you have the right to choose the organisation (provider) that provides your care.
We’re responsible for making sure that providers and commissioners follow the regulations governing patient choice for NHS healthcare services.
What’s in the guide
Our guide offers practical advice based on four key principles that can make sure that choice in mental health works and helps you to choose a provider that best meets your needs. It explains:
- your right to choose the provider that best meets your individual needs
- how you can choose any provider of the service you need
- when your choice isn’t appropriate for your care needs
- how your commissioners and healthcare professionals should be proactive in facilitating choice