A detailed guide on using the NHS right to choice to access your desired services can be found here.

1. Arrange an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms/concerns.
   1. If your GP agrees that a referral is appropriate, ask to be referred to this provider/location.
2. If your GP agrees for you to be referred to this provider/location:
   1. Congratulations, you have used your right to choice to tailor your care to your needs.
   2. Your GP may make the referral there and then. If not, you should be provided with a booking reference number and password/access code, so you can book an appointment via the NHS e-referral service.
   3. For minor procedures, you may have the procedure at your first appointment. For other procedures, you will have an appointment with a specialist, who will determine the need for the procedure.
3. If your GP agrees to refer you to a provider, but not your desired one:
   1. You should discuss the reasoning behind this with your GP. There are a number of exceptions where the right to choice does not apply, such as if you are in the armed forces. See our guide on the right to choice for more details.
4. If your GP declines to refer you to any provider:
   1. This should be because the GP determines alternative action to be in your best interests; you should discuss these reasons with your GP. GPs are not obligated to refer you, and in most cases, you should respect their decision, taking on their advice.
   2. Alternatively, you can choose to self-refer to a private consultation.
   3. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, see our guide on Complaints in the NHS.
      
      

A detailed guide on using the NHS right to choice to access your desired services can be found here.

1. If you have been provided with a booking reference and password/access code for NHS e-referral, but not selected the service:
   1. Using the NHS e-Referral service, search for the provider and location
   2. If the search is successful, book an appointment. Congratulations, you have used your right to choice to tailor your care to your needs.
   3. If the search is unsuccessful, you may not be able to access this service. You should choose an alternate service.
2. Else, if you have already booked an appointment or are on the waiting list with a different consultant-led team or location for this procedure:
   1. Consider your options carefully, and discuss any concerns with your current provider. You can request to be transferred to another provider, but you may be put to the back of their waiting list.
   2. If you decide you would like to be transferred directly across to a different provider, you should express this to your provider/clinical team, citing the right to choice.
      1. If they decline, you can ask to speak to their PALS service (if they have one) or contact your local healthwatch, to discuss your options. If you are waiting more than 18 weeks before treatment, they should respect your choice.
      2. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, see our guide on Complaints in the NHS.

A detailed guide on using the NHS right to choice to access your desired services can be found here.

1. Consider your options carefully, and discuss any concerns with your provider/clinical team. You can request to be transferred to another provider, but you may be put to the back of their waiting list.
2. If you decide you would like to be transferred directly across to a different provider:
   1. You should express this to your provider/clinical team, citing the right to choice.
   2. If they decline, you can ask to speak to their PALS service (if they have one) or contact your local healthwatch, to discuss your options.
   3. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, see our guide on Complaints in the NHS.