Expansion of choice for routine treatment

Patients could benefit from a wider range of healthcare services as the government announces its intention to roll out the biggest expansion of choice in the NHS in a decade. Under the proposals, patients requiring routine treatment outside of hospitals will be able to choose between multiple services across the NHS and independent sector. Services that could be offered under the expansion include endoscopy, nutrition and podiatry. NHS England will be engaging with integrated care boards with a view to launching pilots in local areas from the autumn.