PATIENTS in Redbridge are being encouraged to use a innovative online booking system which allows them to make a hospital appointment at the click of a button.

After being referred for treatment by their GP's, residents can decide which hospital they want to be treated at and even the date and time of their appointments, by using the NHS Choose and Book website.

A spokesman for NHS Redbridge said the move was designed to increase the number of people using the system, which was first introduced four years ago. He said: "Outer North East London (ONEL) is piloting a full electronic booking service for first out-patient appointments in 2010.

"The pilot aims to increase use of Choose and Book by GPs from its current activity level of 40-50% to 90% in early 2010. Its benefits include improving patient experience and a faster more efficient better referral system.

"The pilot has been designed to overcome the remaining issues that prevent Choose and Book being used to its full potential providing an effective system for both patients and GPs to use.

"There is also on-line information available about every hospital or clinic including a star rating reflecting hospitals' performance against government targets, feedback from patients and staff and details about local transport, MRSA rates, waiting times and availability of parking and disabled access."

Conor Burke, borough managing director for NHS Redbridge, said: "This is all about improving patient access to services and ensuring we make the best use of our resources.

"A large number of patients still don't realise they have a choice about where and when they are treated and we are keen to get that message across."

For more information visit: chooseandbook.nhs.uk, or call: 0845 6088888.