Choice is at the heart of the government's public service reform agenda. In healthcare, patients will be offered new choices, not only in choosing a hospital but also, increasingly in primary care.

This report argues for a progressive vision of choice in healthcare, where disadvantaged patients are empowered to make choices throughout their care, to reduce healthcare inequities and tackle health inequalities.

Choice should aim to do more than create a market. The primary goal of choice should be to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities.