Under the proposals announced on 15 May patients requiring treatment outside of hospital such as endoscopy, nutrition and podiatry will be able to chose between multiple NHS providers and the independent sector as part of a plan to cut waiting lists.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: 'From hearing aid care to mental health treatment and diagnostic tests such as endoscopy, our new approach will help speed up treatment, improve the quality of care and ensure that patients have more choice over where they receive treatment.

'Expanding choice will not only help get patients the care they need more quickly but is part of our plan to cut waiting lists, building on the progress we have already made with a fall of almost 200,000 since September.'

NHS England will be engaging with ICBs with a view to launching pilots in local areas from the autumn. NHS England will also actively encourage ICBs to consider expanding the range of providers of services already covered by existing choice regulations, such as mental health.