Your NHS rights
Can I change NHS hospital after referral?
It's one of the most under-used rights NHS patients have. If your wait at one hospital is long, you may be able to switch to another NHS — or NHS-funded — provider with a shorter wait. Here's how it actually works.
What patient choice is
Patient choice in England is the right to choose, in most circumstances, where you have your first outpatient appointment for non-urgent consultant-led care. It's set out in the NHS Constitution and supported by the NHS e-Referral Service. In practice it means you can pick from a list of eligible NHS and NHS-funded providers, often comparing waiting times before you choose.
Patient choice doesn't apply to every situation. It generally doesn't apply to urgent or emergency care, maternity, mental health crisis pathways, or some highly specialised services.
When switching may be possible
- You haven't yet had your first outpatient appointment.
- You've been waiting a long time and want to be re-referred elsewhere.
- Your hospital is far from where you live, work or have family support.
- A particular consultant or specialist centre is a better fit for your condition.
- You've moved house since the referral.
How the referral transfer works
- You speak to your GP and ask for an alternative provider under patient choice.
- Your GP (or their reception team) checks the e-Referral Service for available providers.
- You compare options — including waiting times — and pick one.
- The referral is sent to the new provider, and ideally the old referral is withdrawn.
- The new provider contacts you with appointment details.
How to ask your GP
Independent sector NHS providers
Several private hospitals also treat NHS patients at NHS cost under contract. From your point of view, that means you don't pay anything extra — you're just being treated in a private hospital setting. Common examples include Spire, Practice Plus Group, Nuffield Health and Ramsay, though availability varies by specialty and region.
These providers tend to have shorter waits for many routine specialties, particularly orthopaedics, ophthalmology and some general surgery procedures.
Travel and practical considerations
- How far is the new hospital? Will follow-ups be there too?
- Is parking, public transport or hospital transport practical for you?
- Are there NHS-funded transport schemes you could use?
- If surgery is involved, who will collect you and provide aftercare?
Caveats
- Patient choice doesn't override clinical urgency. Cancer pathways and emergencies are handled differently.
- Not every specialty offers a wide range of providers — sometimes there's only one realistic option.
- Switching late (after your first appointment) is harder than switching before it.
- Transfers can occasionally take a few weeks to complete administratively.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change hospital after I've already been referred?+
Often yes. Patient choice in England usually applies to the first outpatient appointment, but if your wait is long it is also possible to ask to be re-referred to a different NHS or NHS-funded provider. Your GP can usually action this.
Does changing hospital reset my place on the waiting list?+
It can, depending on the trust. Some accept the original referral date for RTT clock purposes, others restart it. Always ask the question in writing before agreeing to a switch.
Can I switch to a private hospital but stay NHS-funded?+
Yes, sometimes. A number of independent providers — Spire, Practice Plus Group, Nuffield Health and Ramsay are common examples — hold contracts to treat NHS patients at NHS cost. They appear in the NHS e-Referral system alongside NHS trusts.
Do I need a reason to change?+
No. You don't have to justify exercising patient choice. Common reasons include shorter waits, easier travel, family near the new location, or preference for a particular consultant or hospital.
Will my GP get annoyed if I ask to change?+
Most won't — patient choice is part of normal NHS care. If you frame it as 'I've been waiting a long time and I'd like to look at alternatives', most GPs will help.
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Sources
NHSWaitHelper is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with the NHS. We do not provide medical or legal advice. Always speak to your GP, clinician, or a regulated adviser about your individual circumstances.