Choose and book 'favours the better off'

Poorer people are more likely to lose out when using the electronic booking system for elective surgery such as cataract removal than wealthier people, according to a study undertaken by the University of Bristol.

Researchers from the Centre for Market and Public Organisation (CMPO), say the 'choose and book' system, which will be available to all patients by 2008 whereby they can choose any provider of hospital care, will exacerbate class differences. The study points out that the less well off will be less likely to travel further field for elective surgery, whereas wealthier people are more likely to exercise their right to choose a particular hospital.