Health chiefs are overhauling appointments systems so patients can choose when they go into hospital using the internet.
The move will turn the current system on its head so patients decide when they are treated in hospital or at their GPs.
It is designed to give people greater choice over where and when they are seen.
Graham Spence, regional project manager, says patients will get the choice of at least four hospitals when they need treatment.
Most will be able to choose from all five acute hospital Trusts in Essex - including Colchester - and a private hospital.
They can also opt to be treated in other hospitals across the East, such as Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds.
Some patients needing certain treatments in Colchester and Tendring can already choose where they go.
The new system should be in place by the end of the year.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article