If you need to go to hospital to see a specialist, you have the right to choose which hospital you’re referred to by your GP and which consultant-led team.
Choice of Hospital This legal right lets you choose from any hospital offering a suitable treatment that meets NHS standards and costs.
You will find full details on your right to choose a hospital at: Right to Choose – Hospital
Choice of Consultant-led team You also have the right to choose which consultant-led team, or clinically appropriate team led by a named healthcare professional, will be in charge of your treatment for your first appointment at the hospital. You will be seen by the consultant or by a doctor who works with the consultant in their team.
You will find full details on your right to choose a consultant at: Right to Choose – Consultant-led team
Second opinion You can ask your GP or another healthcare professional for a second or further opinion (an opinion about your health condition from a different doctor). Although you do not have a legal right to a second opinion, a healthcare professional will rarely refuse to refer you for one.
You will find full details on your right to a second opinion at Right to a second opinion
NHS publish an introductory leaflet “What happens when you are referred by your GP to see a specialist?”
There may be some differences in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. You should consult your GP or local Health Authority.