What is Right To Choose?
You can choose where you go for your first hospital or clinic appointment if your GP says you need to see a specialist. This is called Right to Choose.
You can pick any provider that:
• Is paid for by the NHS.
• Meets NHS safety and quality standards.
• Delivers a Consultant-led service (although you may not see a Consultant)
• Provides both assessment and ongoing treatment if this is needed
This includes any NHS Trusts/Foundation Trusts, as well as independent/private providers with an NHS contract.
Who can use it?
You can use Right to Choose if:
• You are registered with a GP in England
• You need your first specialist appointment for the condition you are being referred for.
You cannot use it if:
• You are in the armed forces
• You are detained under the Mental Health Act
• You need urgent care (like A&E or emergency treatment)
• The service is excluded (like maternity or urgent cancer care)
• You already have care for the same condition or want a second opinion
• The provider cannot offer what you need.
Why is it helpful?
If waiting times are long at one hospital, you can choose another NHS provider that might see you sooner. They may be close by or further away depending how far you want to travel.
Can I choose any provider?
Yes, as long as:
• They have an NHS contract
• They meet NHS standards
• Delivers a Consultant-led service (although you may not see a Consultant)
• Provides both assessment and ongoing treatment if this is needed
You cannot choose:
• Providers outside England
• Private-only providers (but you can pay privately if you want).
What should I know before choosing?
• Some providers only do assessments and won’t give treatment for an illness. You should ask your chosen provider before requesting a referral to check they do offer both.
• If you choose a provider far away, you may need to travel for appointments and medicine.
• Having a diagnosis from a RTC provider does not mean you can slot into local services any more quickly than if you were seen closer to home. You will be treated the same as all other patients.
What if I need a prescription?
• Medicines for the first 28 days after your appointment should come from the specialist.
• After that, your GP may take over prescribing if:
▪ The medicine is safe for you
▪ The medicine is working as it is meant to
▪ The medicine is on the local NHS list/formulary
If the specialist asks your GP to share prescribing with them (known as Shared Care), your GP will decide if it’s safe and possible depending on the type of medicine and local rules. If the specialist has suggested treatments normally given in NHS general practice, and these are allowed to be prescribed by GPs in your area, your practice may be able to issue these.
If you have any questions after your right to choose appointment?
• You should contact the hospital, clinic or provider where you were seen
• If it’s an emergency, call 111 or go to A&E.
Your GP will carry on looking after your general health and any other illnesses you have.
Further information can be found on:
NHS Choice Framework – what choices are available to you in your NHS care – GOV.UK