A campaign launches today to make patients aware they do not have to be treated in their local hospital.

It may sound a strange idea, but the NHS West Kent campaign promotes the fact that patients from Maidstone and west Kent can now choose to have hospital treatment anywhere in England and Wales.

NHS West Kent, the primary care trust which buys health services locally, says many people are not aware of the choices they have under the government initiative.

It will be delivering "It's Your Choice" leaflets to display in GP surgeries, libraries, and community centres.

Dr James Thallon, NHS West Kent’s medical director, said patients who need hospital treatment, can leave the doctors knowing an appointment is booked, in the hospital of their choice.

He added: "We know most people are very happy with their local hospital and have not considered going elsewhere.

"It means patients can fit their treatment into their lives, rather than juggle their lives around their treatment."

But he said west Kent’s hospitals might have to promote their services better.

He added: "There is evidence to suggest many people in west Kent do want to go to the big-name London teaching hospitals. Local hospitals do offer the same quality but perhaps their reputation and branding is not quite as strong. Hospitals will have to sell themselves."

More information on NHS choices is available at http://www.nhs.uk/choices