Patient Choice Navigator (PCN)

When you need to be seen by a specialist Ball Tree Surgery is committed to ensuring that whenever possible you receive a timely outpatient appointment at a provider of your choice.

To help you make the appropriate choice, we are working with a team of Patient Choice Navigators.

After you have seen your GP and together you have agreed that you need to be referred for specialist treatment Ball Tree Surgery will forward your referral to the team of Patient Choice Navigators at NHS Coastal West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group who, using the NHS e-Referral System (formally Choose & Book) will help you to make an informed choice.  In accordance with the NHS Constitution you have the right to choose when and where you wish to be treated, and in a timely manner.

Your GP will provide you with a blue booking card and a telephone number for you to contact the team. You are then asked to contact the Patient Choice Navigators 5 days after seeing your GP so they can work with you to book your appointment.

Following discussion with you the Patient Choice Navigators will send your referral on to the hospital or community provider of your choice who will then contact you to confirm your appointment.  If you do not make contact with the PCN within 10 days of the team receiving your referral then an appointment may be booked for you.

If you have any concerns or questions about your information being passed to the Patient Choice Navigators then please speak to a member of the Practice Team.  Information will only be shared when you have agreed with your GP that a referral is the best course of action.