Safe, outstanding quality care
NHS Patients Guide: Step-by-step
At KIMS Hospital we offer NHS patient pathways for the following services: Orthopaedic surgery, General Surgery, Gynaecology, Urology & Pain Management, follow our step-by-step guide to start your journey.
1. Get a referral from your GP and discuss your Patient Choice options
The first stage is to see your GP, they can then refer you if you need to see a specialist. At this appointment you have a legal right to choose any suitable hospital for your treatment and should discuss this with your GP to ensure you are given all available options.
NHS Patient Choice gives you the right to choose where you receive your treatment when referred by a GP. This includes care at KIMS Hospital.
By exercising your right to Patient Choice you can speed up your wait time, you may not have to travel as far for treatment and you will have more freedom of when you would like to be seen.
2. Book your appointment
You can book, manage or cancel your appointment at any time via the NHS e-Referral Service either online, via phone (0345 608 8888) or through the NHS App.
With this you can:
- Choose a hospital or clinic
- Select a date and time
- Book your appointment
To do this you will need your booking reference number which will be given to you by your GP on your appointment request letter.
Using the app will allow you view or change your appointment should you need to.
3. Once your appointment is booked
Once reviewed and accepted, a confirmation of your appointment at KIMS Hospital will be sent via letter, and your GP will be notified.
This letter will detail anything you need to do in perpetration for your appointment.
NHS treatment at KIMS Hospital
What is NHS Patient Choice?
Patient choice is the legal right to choose where you receive your healthcare and treatment, it gives patients the right to choose which hospital or service you’d like to attend.
The NHS provides a range of options allowing you to make choices that align with your individual circumstances, giving you more control over your care and, hopefully, leading to better outcomes.
What can I do if I'm not offered a choice?
You should always be offered a choice at the point of referral, your GP or referrer should discuss options with you. If you do not feel that you have been given the option to choose where you receive treatment, speak to your GP again.
If you are still not given a choice you can take this to your Integrated Care Board (ICB). If they are unable to resolve this, you can take your complaint to the independent Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
Why choose KIMS Hospital?
KIMS Hospital is the largest independent hospital in Kent providing safe, outstanding quality care for our patients. With fast access to expert consultants, state-of-the-art hospital facilities and a dedicated team who work together as one to care and support you and your visitors while you are with us.
We have multiple locations where you can access the NHS pathways alongside KIMS Hospital, including Sevenoaks Medical Centre and LycaHealth Orpington.
Why choose KIMS Hospital
Fast access to expert consultants
State-of-the-art facilities
The people caring for you
Our commitment to leadership
Our patients recommend us
Award winning hospital
Funding your care is simple
- Make a general enquiry
- Appointment enquiry
Our team are on hand to help answer any queries you might have about coming to KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre. You can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.
If you would like to book an appointment, you can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch.
Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.
Please be aware, if you are requesting a diagnostic scan such as an MRI, or CT, you must have a referral from a relevant clinician or Allied Health professional such as a physiotherapist.