Journal of health services research & policy
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J Health Serv Res Policy · Jul 2007
Impact of patients' socioeconomic status on the distance travelled for hospital admission in the English National Health Service.
To compare the distances travelled for inpatient treatment in England between electoral wards prior to the introduction of a policy to extend patient choice and to consider the impact of patients' socio-economic status. ⋯ Before the introduction of more patient choice, there were considerable differences between individuals in the distances they travelled for hospital care. An increase in patient choice may disproportionately benefit people from less deprived areas.