Doctors are making NHS delays worse by not sending patients to quieter hospitals, data reveals

DOCTORS are making NHS delays worse by not sending patients to quieter hospitals, analysis shows.

Ministers say patients should be told whether they can be treated more quickly elsewhere.

It comes as GPs plan to cripple the NHS with their first major industrial action in 60 years.

Research by the Independent Healthcare Provider Network shows that millions of people could reduce wait times with a short car ride.

They could be treated weeks or even months earlier if they traveled an average of 12 miles to hospitals with shorter delays.

NHS rules give patients the right to be treated at any hospital that offers what they need, but many GPs simply refer them locally.

IHPN chief David Hare said: “This right to choose has been around for years but very few people know about it.”

Waits could get worse as GPs taking industrial action must refer even more patients directly to hospitals.

The Department of Health said: “The NHS is broken and patients are not getting the information they need.

“Health professionals must make it clear to patients that they can choose where to receive treatment.

“We are looking for new ways to give patients greater control over their health care.”