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Did you know that in many cases you have the legal right to choose where you have your NHS treatment?
If your GP needs to refer you to see a specialist for a physical or mental health condition, in most cases you have the legal right to choose the hospital or service you’d like to go to.
You can choose to go to a hospital in your area, or one further away if you wish. You can also choose from many private hospitals if they provide services to the NHS and it does not cost the NHS any more than a referral to a standard NHS hospital.
You can also choose a clinical team led by a consultant or named healthcare professional, as long as that team provides the treatment you require.
Choosing where to go for your care helps you make health and care decisions based on things that are important to you. The benefits of this means:
You have a health concern and visit your GP. Your GP advises you to see a specialist and looks up services suitable for you and your condition.
Your GP practice will help you make a shortlist of suitable providers, based on your condition and what is important to you.
You can be referred straight away by your GP practice, if you already know where you want to go. If you want more time to decide, your GP practice will give you a letter, or send you an email or text including a link to a website, where you can choose and confirm later.
You can book an appointment to see your specialist by following the link from your GP practice and booking online or you can use the NHS App or call the National e-Referral Service online helpline 0345 608 8888.
For further information please visit the NHS England Your choices in the NHS web page.
On the NHS Choices website you can also find:
Search our directory to find local health and care services in your area. [...]
Find advice on health conditions, healthy living, and how to get support. [...]
Find out how to access urgent and emergency care services in north east London. [...]