Awareness amongst patients in Rotherham has risen from 68 per cent in August 2009 to 76 per cent, which is much higher than the national average of 54 per cent.

Rotherham also comes out top for the number of patients going to the hospital of their choice for treatment. Over 93 per cent of patients get treated at their first choice of hospital, compared to the national average of 88 per cent.

Patients have a legal right to choose which organisation provides their NHS care when they are referred for their first outpatient appointment.

Julie Wisken of the NHS Rotherham Choice Team, said: “Everyone has a right to choose to be treated in a hospital of their choice. Some patients want to go to their local hospital, others choose based on waiting times and some by a particular consultant. In Rotherham a high number of people are aware of their right to this choice but we want everybody to be aware of it and to be able to discuss their options with their GP or healthcare professional at the point when they are referred.”