Have you been given a choice?

Here are some useful questions you can use to check that you have been given a choice. It’s worth bearing in mind that not every choice would be appropriate so a bit of common-sense is needed!

• Have I discussed the ‘pros’ and ‘con’s’ of different treatment options with my GP/health care professional including whether to have the treatment or not?

• Was I offered a choice of where to go for my care or tests?

• Did I have the opportunity to choose a suitable alternative hospital? This question applies if the time you would need to wait exceeds your ‘legal right’ to an appointment.

• Was information made available to help me make my decisions? If I was given information, was it accessible to me? For example, did it use words I could easily understand?

• Was I given sufficient time to consider what was right for me?