GPs are failing to use a rule that could slash waiting times for their patient’s hospital treatment.

New analysis has shown that doctors could be making already lengthy NHS delays worse by not sending patients to quieter hospitals.

The findings have come as GPs plan to bring the NHS to a standstill with their first major industrial action in 60 years.

But ministers say patients must be told if they could get treated faster elsewhere - and many GPs are failing to do so, reports The Sun.

Research by the Independent Healthcare Provider Network (IHPN) shows that millions of patients could slash their waiting times with a short drive to a quieter hospital.

Patients could be treated weeks or months sooner if they travel an average of 12 miles to hospitals with smaller backlogs.

IHPN chief David Hare said: “This right to choose has been in place for years but too few people know about it.”

Despite the rule that gives patients the right to be treated at any hospital that offers what they need, many GPs are simply referring them locally and missing out on potential slots.

And the waits could get worse as those GPs taking industrial action are set to direct even more patients straight to ­hospitals.

The Department of Health said: “The NHS is broken and patients are not getting the information they need,” reports The Sun.

The spokesperson added: “Healthcare professionals should make clear to patients that they have a choice over where they can receive treatment.

“We are looking at new ways to give patients greater control over their healthcare.”

GPs striking “will hit patients hard” health bosses have warned.

The industrial action in England over a funding row could bring the NHS to a “standstill” that lasts for months.

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, said: “Industrial action by GPs will hit patients hard as wider NHS services feel the knock-on effects.

“Relentless pressure on primary care, plus many practices closing across England, means patients are turning to already busy accident and emergency departments to seek help.

“Today’s announcement means even more patients understandably will turn to under-strain A&Es and other highly pressurised services including 111, ambulances and mental health support.”

More than 8,500 GPs took part in a vote, the British Medical Association (BMA) said, with 98.3 percent backing collective action.

The strike is in protest at the previous government increasing their budget by only 1.9 percent this year. The disruption is likely to begin immediately and could last for months.