Called 'Good news – you choose' the campaign promotes the choice patients now have in deciding where they should have their hospital treatment as well as the time and date.

Devised by north east primary care trusts, working with NHS North East Strategic Health Authority, the campaign has already appeared on TV, radio, billboards, buses, posters and leaflets across the region.

Now Newcastle and North Tyneside Primary Care Trusts and Northumberland Care Trust have extended the campaign to metro stations, bus stops and billboards in the North of Tyne area.

Chris Reed, chief executive of Newcastle and North Tyneside Primary Care Trusts and Northumberland Care Trust, said the campaign aimed to increase the number of patients who exercise their right to choose a hospital appointment at the most convenient time and place for them.

He said: "Giving NHS patients more control over when and where they can have their hospital appointment is a key part of speeding up access to treatment. Choosing a hospital appointment at the most convenient time and place gives people more flexibility – this means they can fit appointments around their work, family or any other commitments.

Chris continued: "We know that patients in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland don't seem to a have a high awareness of their right to choose the time and place of their hospital appointment for most hospital treatments so we've decided to extend the campaign locally."

When a GP refers a patient for an operation or treatment for most conditions, patients can choose from any NHS hospital and some private hospitals. What's more, they can also have a say in the date and time of their first appointment.

Patients can make their choice in a number of ways. They can speak to their GP or another member of staff while in the GP surgery.

Alternatively patients can choose at home using the internet or over the phone using the dedicated appointment line.