DOCTORS are making NHS delays worse by not sending patients to quieter hospitals, analysis shows.
Ministers say patients must be told if they could get treated faster elsewhere.
It comes as GPs plan to bring the NHS “to a standstill” with their first major industrial action in 60 years.
Research by the Independent Healthcare Provider Network shows that millions could slash their waiting times with a short drive.
They could be treated weeks or even months sooner if they travel an average of 12 miles to hospitals with smaller backlogs.
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 in place for years but too few people know about it.”
Waits could get worse as those GPs taking industrial action are set to direct even more patients straight to hospitals.
The Department of Health said: “The NHS is broken and patients are not getting the information they need.
“Healthcare professionals should make clear to patients that they have a choice over where they can receive treatment.
“We are looking at new ways to give patients greater control over their healthcare.”
