NHS specialist referral: who makes it and how to choose a hospital

In England an NHS referral to a specialist is usually made by your GP, and you generally cannot see a hospital specialist without one. Here is who can refer you, how choosing a hospital works and how quickly treatment must start. The details come from NHS pages.

Who issues the referral?

The main route is your registered GP, because that is where your medical records are held. Whether you get the referral depends on what your GP feels is clinically necessary; they may first suggest tests or treatment and see how things go. Another health professional, such as a dentist or ophthalmologist, can also refer you.

Can you book a specialist yourself?

Usually not. In England the only self-referrals without a GP note are to sexual health clinics and to A&E. Otherwise a specialist will see you only with a referral letter from your GP, setting out your history and what to focus on. You are entitled to ask for a copy of that letter.

Do you have a right to choose the hospital?

Yes. For a planned referral in England you usually have the right to choose the hospital for your first outpatient appointment, and the consultant-led team that will manage your care. If you pick a particular consultant, you can normally have the first appointment at the hospital where they work. This is a legal patient right, not a favour.

How do you book through the NHS e-Referral Service?

Once you have chosen a hospital, you can book in three ways. Ask your GP to book while you are at the surgery; do it online using the appointment request letter your GP gives you; or phone 0345 608 8888, open Monday to Friday 8am–8pm and weekends and bank holidays 8am–4pm.

How quickly must treatment start?

Under the NHS Constitution, for a planned (non-urgent) referral you have the right to start consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks of referral. The right does not apply if you choose to wait longer, or if a longer wait is clinically right for you. For urgent cases your GP refers you on a faster pathway.

What if the wait is too long?

If the wait drags on, ask your hospital or GP about being treated somewhere with a shorter queue — the right to choose applies here too. Questions and complaints about how your care is organised can go to the hospital's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).

ONLYWAY NEWS explains how NHS services work and what you are entitled to.