Choosing your hospital

Central Primary Care Trust

For most medical conditions, you can now choose where and when to have your treatment.

This booklet explains more about choosing your hospital. You will also find information about the hospitals you can choose from.

Second edition December 2006 Contents

What is patient choice? 1

Making your choice 2

How to use this booklet 3

Where can I have my treatment? 4

Your hospitals A to Z 7

Your questions answered 37

How to book your appointment 39

What do the specialty names mean? 40

What does the healthcare jargon mean? 42

Where can I find more information and support? 44

How do your hospitals score? 45

Hospital score table 50 What is patient choice? If you and your GP decide that you need to see a specialist for more treatment, you can now choose where and when to have your treatment from a list of hospitals or clinics. Why has patient choice been introduced? Research has shown that patients want to be more involved in making decisions and choosing their healthcare. Most of the patients who are offered a choice of hospital consider the experience to be positive and valuable. The NHS is changing to give you more choice and flexibility in how you are treated.

Your choices Your local choices are included in this booklet. If you do not want to receive your treatment at a local hospital, your GP will be able to tell you about your choices of other hospitals across .

As well as the hospitals listed in this booklet, your GP may be able to suggest community-based services, such as GPs with Special Interests or community clinics. Or, if your GP decides to refer you to a Clinical Assessment Service and you then need to go to hospital, you will be able to choose from this list of hospitals.

General information 1 Making your choice

In choosing where to have your outpatient appointment, you will be choosing where to receive your full treatment, if you need it. This will include your initial outpatient appointment and any other appointments for treatment (for example, inpatient care) or aftercare.

However, if you are not happy with your chosen hospital after your outpatient appointment, your GP can make you an appointment at another hospital.

If you need very specialised care, you may need to be referred to another hospital. You may also be transferred to another specialty if the hospital doctor feels that this is more appropriate for your condition.

2 General information How to use this booklet

This booklet includes information about your choice of hospitals.

Use the ‘Where can I have my treatment?’ table on page 4 to find out which hospitals offer your treatment. You can then find information about individual hospitals. This starts on page 7. You can also find out how your hospital scores against a number of measures, some of which are patients’ views. This information starts on page 50.

You will also find other information in this booklet to help you make your choice. You can use the 'Contents list' at the beginning of the booklet to find this information.

You can also find more information on www.nhs.uk

Your local library can help you use the internet to search for more information on choosing your hospital. See the 'Where can I find more information and support?' page later in this booklet for some website addresses that you can use.

General information 3 Where can I have my treatment?

Use the chart below to check which hospitals provide the service you need. In addition to the hospitals listed, your GP may be able to refer you to community-based or other services. Ask him or her what’s available in your local area. He or she will also advise you if the service you need is not listed. Specialty name

Hospital provider University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust page 7 , Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust page 8 Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust page 13 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust page 16 Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust page 19 Women's NHS Foundation Trust page 20 Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust page 21

4 Hospital information Specialty name

Hospital provider Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust page 22 and Hospital NHS Trust page 23 St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust page 25 The Cardiothoracic Centre - Liverpool NHS Trust page 26 The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust page 27 The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery NHS Trust page 29 University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust page 30 University Hospitals of Bay NHS Trust page 31 , and Leigh NHS Trust page 33

To find out more about the hospitals you can choose from go to page 7 To find out what these specialties mean go to page 40.

Hospital information 5 6 Hospital information Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust www.aintreehospitals.nhs.uk

The Trust is in North Liverpool, with good motorway links, and is a teaching hospital providing general healthcare. Specialist services include maxillofacial, gastric (stomach) and liver surgery, chest medicine and sleep disorders, rheumatology, stroke, diabetes, kidney dialysis, rehabilitation and joint replacement units. A new chemotherapy centre opens in 2007. Day surgery and outpatient clinics are also held at Walton Hospital.

University Hospital Aintree

Lower Lane, Liverpool, L9 7AL Tel: 0151 525 5980

Trains: Fazakerley. Less than half a mile. Buses: . 0151 236 7676. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply.

Hospital information 7 Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust www.bfwhospitals.nhs.uk

The Trust manages Blackpool Victoria Hospital - the Fylde's main hospital - eight smaller community hospitals, the National Artificial Eye Service and Blenheim House Child Development Centre. We serve a population of 330,000 people who live on the Fylde Coast as well as the 16m tourists who visit the area each year.

Bispham Hospital Rehabilitation Unit

Ryscar Way, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY2 0FN Tel: 01253 655901

Trains: Layton. Two miles. Buses: Blackpool Transport. 01253 473000. Parking: Free on-site parking.

8 Hospital information Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust www.bfwhospitals.nhs.uk

Blackpool Victoria Hospital Clifton Hospital

Whinney Heys Road, Pershore Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire, FY3 8NR FY8 1PB Tel: 01253 300000 Tel: 01253 306204 Trains: Blackpool North. Two miles. Trains: St Annes. One mile. Buses: Blackpool Transport. 01253 Buses: Blackpool Transport. 01253 473000. 473000. Parking: Limited on-site parking. Parking: Free, but limited. Charges apply.

To see how your hospital scores see page 45

Hospital information 9 Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust www.bfwhospitals.nhs.uk

Devonshire Road Hospital Hospital

Devonshire Road, Pharos Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY3 8AZ FY7 6BE Tel: 01253 303364 Tel: 01253 306000 Trains: Blackpool North. One mile. Trains: n/a Buses: Blackpool Transport. 01253 Buses: Blackpool Transport. 01253 437000. 473000. Parking: Free on-site parking. Parking: Free, but limited.

To see how your hospital scores see page 45

10 Hospital information Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust www.bfwhospitals.nhs.uk

Lytham Hospital Rossall Hospital Rehabilitation Unit

Warton Street, West Way, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY8 5EE FY7 8JH Tel: 01253 655104 Trains: Lytham Station. Less than half a mile. Trains: Blackpool North. Less than Buses: Blackpool Transport. 01253 half a mile. 473000. Buses: Blackpool Transport. 01253 Parking: Free on-site parking. 473000. Parking: Free on-site parking.

To see how your hospital scores see page 45

Hospital information 11 Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust www.bfwhospitals.nhs.uk

South Shore Hospital Wesham Hospital Rehabilitation Unit

Stonyhill Avenue, Mowbreck Lane, Blackpool, Lancashire, Wesham, Preston, FY4 1HX Lancashire, Tel: 01253 306106 PR4 3HA Tel: 01253 655404 Trains: Squires Gate. Less than half a mile. Trains: Kirkham and Wesham. Less Buses: n/a than half a mile. Parking: Free, but limited. Buses: Blackpool Transport. 01253 473000. Parking: Free on-site parking.

To see how your hospital scores see page 45

12 Hospital information Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust www.cmmc.nhs.uk

The Trust was established on 1st April 2001, bringing together Central Manchester Healthcare NHS Trust and Manchester Children's Hospitals NHS Trust. The Trust's aim is to provide to all users and staff a quality service. We focus on providing care that is sensitive and responsive to individual patients' needs.

Booth Hall Children's Hospital Manchester Royal Eye Hospital

Booth Hall Children's Hospital, Nelson Street, Charlestown Road, Manchester, Manchester, M9 7AA M13 9WH Tel: 0161 795 7000 Tel: 0161 276 1234

Trains: Manchester Piccadilly. Five Trains: Manchester Piccadilly. Two miles. miles. Buses: Buses: Greater Manchester Transport Executive (GMPTE). 0161 Transport Executive (GMPTE). 0161 228 7811. 228 7811. Parking: On-site parking available. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply. Charges apply.

Hospital information 13 Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust www.cmmc.nhs.uk

Manchester Royal Infirmary Royal Manchester Children's Hospital

Oxford Road, Hospital Road, Manchester, Pendlebury, Swinton, M13 9WL Manchester, Tel: 0161 276 1234 M27 4HA Tel: 0161 794 4696 Trains: Manchester Piccadilly. Two miles. Trains: n/a Buses: Greater Manchester Buses: Greater Manchester Transport Executive (GMPTE). 0161 Transport Executive (GMPTE). 0161 228 7811. 228 7811. Parking: On-site parking available. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply. Charges apply.

To see how your hospital scores see page 45

14 Hospital information Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust www.cmmc.nhs.uk

St Mary's Hospital for Women University Dental Hospital of and Children Manchester

Hathersage Road, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester, Manchester, M13 0JH M15 6FH Tel: 0161 276 1234 Tel: 0161 275 6666 Trains: Manchester Piccadilly. Two Trains: Manchester Piccadilly. Two miles. miles. Buses: Greater Manchester Buses: Greater Manchester Transport Executive (GMPTE). 0161 Transport Executive (GMPTE). 0161 228 7811. 228 7811. Parking: On-site parking available. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply. Charges apply.

To see how your hospital scores see page 45

Hospital information 15 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust www.elht.nhs.uk

The Trust provides a full range of general and specialist services including women's and children's and diagnostic services. We provide services from our main hospitals in and and a range of community settings: Pendle Community Hospital, Rossendale Hospital and Victoria Hospital. In 2006, we opened two new hospital facilities – one on the Burnley General Hospital site and the new Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Accrington Victoria Hospital

Haywood Road, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 6AS Tel: 01254 687342

Trains: Accrington. One mile. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply.

16 Hospital information East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust www.elht.nhs.uk

Burnley General Hospital Pendle Community Hospital

Casterton Avenue, Leeds Road, Burnley, Lancashire, Nelson, Lancashire, BB10 2PQ BB9 9TF Tel: 01282 425071 Tel: 01282 425071 Trains: Burnley Central. Brierfield. Trains: Nelson. Less than half a mile. Less than half a mile. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Parking: On-site parking available. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply. Charges apply.

To see how your hospital scores see page 45

Hospital information 17 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust www.elht.nhs.uk

Rossendale Hospital Royal Blackburn Hospital

Haslingden Road, Road, Rossendale, Lancashire, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB4 6NE BB2 3HH Tel: 01706 215151 Tel: 01254 263555 Trains: Burnley. Eight miles. Trains: Blackburn. One mile. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Parking: On-site parking available. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply. Charges apply.

To see how your hospital scores see page 45

18 Hospital information Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust www.lancsteachinghospitals.nhs.uk

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust runs and and Royal Preston Hospitals. It provides a range of general services to local residents, serving a population of around 390,000. It also provides specialist services, such as plastic surgery and burns, cancer care, renal (kidney), neurological and disablement services to 1.5 million people in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Chorley and South Ribble Royal Preston Hospital Hospital

Preston Road, Sharoe Green Lane North, Chorley, Lancashire, Fulwood, Preston, PR7 1PP Lancashire, Tel: 01257 261222 PR2 9HT Tel: 01772 716565 Trains: Chorley. One mile. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Trains: Preston. Three miles. Parking: Limited on-site parking. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Charges apply. Parking: Limited on-site parking. Charges apply.

Hospital information 19 Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust www.lwh.org.uk

Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust provides secondary and tertiary gynaecological services from two sites in Liverpool. It is one of only three NHS organisations to hold the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts' highest rating for clinical safety. It has held the Healthcare Commission three-star rating for the last three years. In 2005, the Trust was the first in Merseyside to attain Foundation status.

Aintree Centre for Women's Liverpool Women's Hospital Health

Aintree Centre for Women's Health, Crown Street, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, Merseyside, L8 7SS L9 7AL Tel: 0151 708 9988 Tel: 0151 529 2115 Trains: Liverpool Lime Street. Two Trains: Fazakerley. Up to half a mile. miles. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Parking: On-site parking available. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply. Charges apply.

20 Hospital information Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust www.alderhey.co.uk

This specialist trust treats around 200,000 children every year. It delivers services in hospital and community settings for people living locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. It offers a comprehensive range of services at its main site, Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool. Specialist services include intensive care, bone marrow transplantation, heart surgery, craniofacial (head and face) surgery, and neurosurgery.

Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital

Eaton Road, Liverpool, L12 2AP Tel: 0151 228 4811

Trains: Liverpool Lime Street. Five miles. Buses: Mersey Travel. 0151 236 7676. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply.

Hospital information 21 Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust www.srht.nhs.uk

We are a major teaching Foundation Trust based at Hope Hospital. We provide specialist and general services, including one of the largest intensive care units in the area. Our specialists are committed to safe and hygienic treatment and to providing personal and responsive care. The Healthcare Commission awarded us a three-star rating and scored us 'excellent' for inpatient waiting times, hospital food and cleanliness in 2005.

Hope Hospital

Stott Lane, Salford, Lancashire, M6 8HD Tel: 0161 789 7373

Trains: Eccles. Up to half a mile. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply.

22 Hospital information Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk

We aim to provide safe, clean and friendly care. From 2001-2006 the Trust had the second lowest number of total MRSA cases for all general acute trusts (Health Protection Agency). We are one of only 11 hospitals with the highest award for clinical safety (NHS Litigation Authority, 2006), and a Top 40 Hospital since 2002 (CHKS, the benchmarking company). We have many purpose-built buildings including a women and children's unit at Ormskirk.

Ormskirk and District General Hospital

Wigan Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 2AZ Tel: 01695 577111

Trains: Ormskirk. One mile. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply.

Hospital information 23 Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk

Southport and District Southport General Infirmary General Hospital

Town Lane, New Road, Southport, Merseyside, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 6PN PR8 6PH Tel: 01704 547471 Tel: 01704 547471 Trains: Southport. Two miles. Trains: Southport. One mile. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Parking: On-site parking available. Parking: Free, but limited. Charges apply.

To see how your hospital scores see page 45

24 Hospital information St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust www.sthkhealth.nhs.uk

The Trust focuses on providing high quality patient services and we were awarded three stars by the Healthcare Commission in 2005. We provide a wide range of services at Whiston and St Helens Hospitals to patients from the surrounding areas. Our specialist services include the Mersey regional burns and plastics unit. A £338m redevelopment project will rebuild both our hospitals. The Trust is committed to improving patient care.

St Helens Hospital Whiston Hospital

St Helens Hospital, Whiston Hospital, Marshalls Cross Rd, St Helens, Warrington Road, Prescot, Merseyside, WA9 3DA Liverpool, L35 5DR Tel: 01744 26633 Tel: 0151 426 1600

Trains: St Helens Central. One mile. Trains: Prescot. One mile. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Parking: On-site parking available. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply. Charges apply.

Hospital information 25 The Cardiothoracic Centre - Liverpool NHS Trust www.ctc.nhs.uk

The Trust is one of the largest heart and chest hospitals in the UK, providing specialised services to people from the north-west of England, North Wales and the Isle of Man. The Trust has recently invested in new facilities. In 2005, the Healthcare Commission rated it 'excellent' for outpatient and 'good' for inpatient waiting times, and 'good' for low MRSA infection rates

The Cardiothoracic Centre - Liverpool NHS Trust

Thomas Drive, Liverpool, Merseyside, L14 3PE Tel: 0151 228 1616

Trains: Broadgreen. Less than half a mile. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply.

26 Hospital information The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust www.rlbuht.nhs.uk

The Trust is one of the largest and busiest hospitals in the North of England. The Trust is based on two sites: The Royal Liverpool Hospital and Liverpool University Dental Hospital, and the Broadgreen Hospital. As well as providing general services to local communities, the Trust offers regional specialist services. The Trust is closely linked with Liverpool University and John Moores University for teaching and research.

Broadgreen Hospital

Thomas Drive, Liverpool, Merseyside, L14 3LB Tel: 0151 282 6000

Trains: Broadgreen. Up to half a mile. Buses: Mersey Travel. 0151 236 7676. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply.

Hospital information 27 The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust www.rlbuht.nhs.uk

Royal Liverpool University The Royal Liverpool University Dental Hospital Hospital

Pembroke Place, Prescot Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 5PS L7 8XP Tel: 0151 706 2000 Tel: 0151 706 2000 Trains: Liverpool Lime Street. Two Trains: Liverpool Lime Street. One miles. mile. Buses: Mersey Travel. 0151 236 Buses: Mersey Travel. 0151 236 7676. 7676. Parking: Off-site parking available. Parking: Off-site parking available. Charges apply. Charges apply.

To see how your hospital scores see page 45

28 Hospital information The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery NHS Trust www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk

The only dedicated neurosciences Trust in the UK, we are situated in north Liverpool and have a catchment population of over 3.5 million across the north-west, Isle of Man and North Wales. With an international reputation in some areas of expertise, referrals are accepted on the basis of clinical need from across the UK. Outpatient clinics are held by our clinicians at 14 different satellite hospitals across our catchment area.

The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery NHS Trust

Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool, Merseyside, L9 7LJ Tel: 0151 5253611 Trains: Fazakerley. Less than half a mile. Buses: Merseytravel. 0151 2367676. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply.

Hospital information 29 University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust www.smtr.nhs.uk

We are a major teaching hospital Trust providing services at Wythenshawe Hospital and Withington Community Hospital. The Trust is a centre for education and research. Our core values are involvement, initiative and innovation. We specialise in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, heart and lung transplantation, treatment and research of respiratory conditions, burns and plastic surgery, breast care services and stroke services.

Withington Community Wythenshawe Hospital Hospital

Neil Lane, Southmoor Road, Manchester, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M20 2LR M23 9LT Tel: 0161 998 7070 Tel: 0161 998 7070

Trains: n/a Trains: Sale. Three miles. Buses: GMPTE (www.gmpte.com). Buses: GMPTE (www.gmpte.com). 0161 228 7811. 0161 228 7811. Parking: On-site parking available. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply. Charges apply.

30 Hospital information University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust www.uhmb.nhs.uk

The Trust cares for patients throughout South Cumbria and North Lancashire from its three main hospital sites. All clinical specialities are available across the Trust with tertiary services provided in Manchester, Blackpool and Preston. The Patient Environment Action Team gave us the highest score for hospital cleanliness in 2005 and we are ranked in the top 30 trusts for low MRSA rates (Health Protection Agency, 2006).

Furness General Hospital Hospital

Dalton Lane, Thornton Rd, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA14 4LF LA4 5NN Tel: 01229 870870 Tel: 01524 405700

Trains: Barrow-in-Furness. Two Trains: Morecambe. Two miles. miles. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Parking: Free, but limited. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply.

Hospital information 31 University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust www.uhmb.nhs.uk

Royal Lancaster Infirmary Westmorland General Hospital

Ashton Road, Burton Rd, Lancaster, Lancashire, Kendal, Cumbria, LA1 4RP LA9 7RG Tel: 01524 65944 Tel: 01539 732288 Trains: Lancaster. One mile. Trains: Oxenholme. One mile. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Parking: On-site parking available. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply. Charges apply.

To see how your hospital scores see page 45

32 Hospital information Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust www.wiganleigh.nhs.uk

The Trust is dedicated to providing the best possible healthcare and has held the Healthcare Commission three-star rating for the past three years. We operate from four hospitals and invest about £180m in them each year. We have a specialist orthopaedic service that runs research and offers training to overseas healthcare providers. We are committed to patient-centred services and to caring for patients as close to home as possible.

Leigh Infirmary

The Avenue, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 1HS Tel: 01942 244000

Trains: Atherton. Two miles. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply.

Hospital information 33 Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust www.wiganleigh.nhs.uk

Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Thomas Linacre Outpatient Centre

Wigan Lane, Parsons Walk, Wigan, Lancashire, Wigan, Lancashire, WN1 2NN WN1 1RU Tel: 01942 244000 Tel: 01942 244000 Trains: Wigan North Western. Two Trains: Wigan North Western. One miles. mile. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Parking: On-site parking available. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply. Charges apply.

To see how your hospital scores see page 45

34 Hospital information Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust www.wiganleigh.nhs.uk

Whelley Hospital Wrightington Hospital

Bradshaw Street, Hall Lane, Wigan, Lancashire, , Wigan, WN1 3XD Lancashire, Tel: 01942 244000 WN6 9EP Tel: 01257 252211 Trains: Wigan North Western. Two miles. Trains: Appley Bridge. Two miles. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Buses: Traveline. 0870 608 2 608. Parking: On-site parking available. Parking: On-site parking available. Charges apply. Charges apply.

To see how your hospital scores see page 45

Hospital information 35 36 General information Your questions answered

Is patient choice offered for all medical conditions? A choice of hospital is available for most medical conditions. However, not all hospitals treat every medical condition and some patients may need a more specialist service. What if I don’t want to choose? You do not have to make the decision yourself. If you prefer, your GP can still make the choice for you and recommend a hospital for your treatment. What if I don’t want to go to a different hospital? You don’t have to. If you would rather visit the hospital that you usually go to, you can make that choice.

Will I have to pay? No, not as an NHS patient. All the hospitals listed provide services to NHS patients. As long as you choose one of the hospitals listed in this booklet, you won’t have to pay.

General information 37 Is there help available for my travel arrangements to get to hospital? If your GP or the person who has referred you decides that you have a medical need for transport, patient transport services should be provided. You may also have your travel expenses paid through the Hospital Travel Costs Scheme, if you get Jobseeker’s Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or Pension Credit, or qualify under the low-income scheme. Where’s best for me? You might want to think about how you will get to hospital or who might pick you up when your treatment has finished. If you are going to be in hospital for a while, do you want to be close to family and friends? You may also want to think about how quickly you want to be treated. Would you be willing to travel further away if it meant that you could be treated quicker? Or you may have a different priority – hospital cleanliness or location, for example. The information in this booklet can help you make your choice based on the things that matter to you. You can also find more information on www.nhs.uk.

38 General information How to book your appointment

What you need to do How ever you are being referred, your GP or practice team will let you know what you need to do.

Once you have left your GP practice, you can speak to your local support services for more help with choosing your hospital. Their contact details are on the back page of this booklet. Using Choose and Book GPs may use a computer system to book your first outpatient appointment. This is called Choose and Book. This system gives you more control over when you book your appointment. Your GP or practice team can give you a leaflet called ‘An introduction to Choose and Book for patients’ that will give you more information. Without Choose and Book If your GP is not yet using Choose and Book, he or she will send a letter to your choice of hospital and can also send you a copy. The hospital will then contact you to make an appointment.

General information 39 What do the specialty names mean? Cardiology Heart and blood vessels. Dermatology Skin, hair and nails. Ear, nose and throat Ear, nose and throat disorders. (ENT) Gastroenterology Digestive system, including the liver, stomach, intestines and oesophagus. General medicine Non-surgical treatment of diseases of the internal organs, especially in adults. General surgery Surgical treatment of abdominal organs, the thyroid gland and hernia. Gynaecology Organs of the female reproductive system. Neurology Nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Ophthalmology Eye disorders, including injuries, infections, tumours and cataracts. Oral-maxillo surgery Mouth and facial surgery. Paediatrics Diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases in children.

40 General information Rheumatology Inflammatory diseases of the muscles and joints, including arthritis. Trauma and Musculoskeletal system including bones, joints orthopaedics and supporting muscles. Urology Kidneys, urinary, bladder and male reproductive organs.

General information 41 What does the healthcare jargon mean? What’s an outpatient appointment? An outpatient appointment is when you visit the hospital to see a specialist who will examine you so that he or she can diagnose what the problem is and think about what the best treatment will be. What’s inpatient treatment? Inpatient treatment is when you go into hospital to have your treatment and stay overnight.

What is secondary or tertiary care? When patients are referred by their GP for further treatment, this is known as secondary care. It usually means being treated by a specialist in a hospital or a clinic. In some cases, patients may need to see a clinician with highly specialised knowledge of their condition. This is known as tertiary care.

What are NHS Foundation Trusts? NHS Foundation Trusts are a new type of NHS hospital that are run by local managers, staff and members of the public. These trusts have been given more freedom than other NHS trusts. However, they remain within the NHS.

42 General information What are NHS Treatment Centres? Some NHS Treatment Centres are run by the NHS and some are run by the Independent Sector. They both provide treatment to NHS patients with NHS standards of care. You do not have to pay for treatment at either type of treatment centre – the cost will be covered by the NHS. What’s a GP with a Special Interest? Sometimes, rather than going to a hospital or clinic, you may be able to choose to be treated by a GP with a Special Interest. As well as their GP qualifications, they have thorough training and experience in a specialist area. What’s a Clinical Assessment Service? Sometimes, instead of referring you direct to a hospital for an outpatient appointment, your GP might refer you to a Clinical Assessment Service. They will assess your condition and will discuss the next stage of your treatment. This assessment may take place in person or over the phone. Your GP will let you know what you need to do if he or she is referring you to a Clinical Assessment Service.

General information 43 Where can I find more information and support?

Your GP should be able to give you the answers to some of the questions you have about your condition.

Or, you can contact NHS Direct. Visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk, go to NHS Direct Interactive on digital satellite TV, or call 0845 4647 and ask to speak to a health information adviser.

For other healthcare information

www.nhs.uk for an electronic copy of this booklet, to compare individual hospitals, and other NHS information.

www.healthspace.nhs.uk for a secure place on the internet where you can store all your personal health information.

www.chooseandbook.nhs.uk for information on the electronic booking system that GPs may use to refer you for an outpatient appointment.

www.healthcarecommission.org.uk for quality and performance information on hospitals from the independent regulator of healthcare.

www.patientopinion.org.uk, an independent website where you can find out what other patients are saying about local health services.

44 General information How do your hospitals score?

The information given in the appointment following a referral following tables shows how from their GP. The target is 13 some hospitals are doing against weeks from the time the hospital selected measures of receives the letter. performance as well as ratings from patient surveys. The information for independent Cancelled operations sector hospitals and for NHS This measures the number of Trusts is collected in different operations which had to be ways. cancelled for non-clinical reasons (i.e. equipment out of action, no What do the statistics say bed available or staff away). about Independent Sector hospitals? MRSA infection These performance indicators This indicator closely monitors were collected over six months, the number of MRSA blood from October 2005 to March infections recorded. NHS patients 2006. treated at a hospital or treatment centre managed by the Inpatient waiting times independent sector, are tested This measures the length of time for MRSA prior to commencing a patient waits to receive treatment. This significantly helps treatment if they need to be reduce the risk of passing MRSA admitted to hospital. The target to other patients being treated at is six months from the time a the hospital. consultant decided hospital treatment was necessary to the What do patients say about time of receiving treatment. Independent Sector hospitals? Outpatient waiting times The Independent Sector hospitals This measures the length of time and treatment centres each a patient waits for an conduct Patient Satisfaction Surveys.

Hospital performance information 45 The following indicators are based on the responses to these surveys.

Clinical relationships Patients treated at the hospital are asked to comment on the way they felt they were treated by the nursing staff and doctors.

Hospital cleanliness This asks patients to comment on whether they found the hospital wards and toilets to be clean. Patients are also asked to express an overall view on the cleanliness of the hospital.

Warm, friendly place to be Patients are asked to comment on whether they felt welcomed to the hospital, whether the environment was pleasant, friendly and warm and whether the care they received helped them to feel comfortable.

Overall patient satisfaction This indicates patients’ overall impressions about the treatment and care they received at the hospital.

46 Hospital performance information

What do the statistics say MRSA infection about NHS hospitals? This measures the number of The measures cover the year MRSA blood infections recorded ending 31st March 2006. and whether the hospital reduced the rates compared with Inpatient waiting times the previous year in line with the planned number of reductions. This measures the length of time a patient waits to receive What do patients say about treatment if they need to be admitted to hospital. The target NHS hospitals? is six months from the time a A national survey of patients consultant decided hospital receiving treatment at NHS Trusts treatment was necessary to the was conducted in 2005. The time of receiving treatment. columns include results from questions that asked about: Outpatient waiting times This measures the length of time Building closer a patient waits for an relationships appointment following a referral Patients were asked whether they from their GP. The target is 13 could understand the answers weeks from the time the hospital which doctors and nurses gave receives the letter. them to their questions and whether they felt that a doctor or Cancelled operations nurse talked in front of them as if they weren’t there. This measures the number of operations which had to be Clean, comfortable, cancelled for non-clinical reasons friendly place to be (i.e. equipment out of action, no bed available or staff away) and This survey asked whether for which a new date was not patients felt bothered by noise at offered within 28 days of the night, their opinion on how clean original date. the room or ward was, how they

Hospital performance information 47 rated the food, whether they were given enough privacy when being examined, whether they felt enough was done to control their pain and whether they were treated with dignity and respect.

Safe, high-quality, co-ordinated care

Patients were asked whether they felt they were given conflicting information from staff, how long it took to be discharged and whether they were given advice about any possible problems to watch out for when they went home.

Better information, more choice This survey asked patients whether they felt they were involved as much as they wanted to be in decisions about their care and treatment, if staff explained about the medicines they were to take at home in a way they understood and if they were told about the possible side effects of that medication.

48 Hospital performance information Hospital performance information 49 Hospital score table These tables show how your hospitals score against a number of measures, some of which are patients' views. For more information on what the measures mean, see 'How do your hospitals score?'. The indicators for independent and NHS hospitals are in separate tables because the information comes from different sources, and the definitions and time-periods covered are slightly different. For example, a '3' score for an independent hospital is not directly comparable with a '3' score for an NHS hospital, although both will be good quality.

Performance information Patients' views Performance information Patients' views Achieved target >90 out of 100

Underachieved 80-90 out of 100

Failed <80 out of 100 Data not available Data not available

Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust page 7 Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust page 8 Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust page 13 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust page 16 Performance information Patients' views

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust page 19 Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust page 20 Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust page 21 Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust page 22 Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust page 23 St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust page 25 The Cardiothoracic Centre - Liverpool NHS Trust page 26 The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust page 27 The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery NHS Trust page 29 University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust page 30 Performance information Patients' views

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust page 31 Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust page 33

For full details of how the scores were calculated please go to www.nhs.uk/documents/choice/indicators.pdf Notes page: Notes page: Notes page: For confidential support with choosing your hospital, contact:

Booking Management Service Units 14 –15 Navigation Business Village Riversway Preston PR2 2YP

Tel: 01772 325100 Email: [email protected]

Other formats You can get this booklet in other formats (for example, in other languages, on audio tape, in Braille, in British Sign Language, in easy-to-read print and in large print). Please contact your GP practice team for a printed copy. For an electronic copy, please go to www.nhs.uk

The general information in this booklet has gained Plain English Campaign's Crystal Mark for clarity, meaning that it is as easy to read as possible.

Please note that the information was correct at the time of printing.

276033/029 © Crown copyright 2006 1p Dec 06 (BEL)