Millions of patients are being offered no choice of provider when referred for secondary care and tests, contrary to national guidance, according to NHS England information.
By law, patients are allowed to choose their provider when referred for a first appointment for consultant-led treatment.
The NHS e-Referral Service is the NHS’s national digital system for booking and managing elective appointments and is used in primary care consultations to book appointments; as well as directly by patients via the “manage your referral” website or the NHS App.
It was introduced in an effort to make referrals faster and more transparent, and it was claimed it would also lead to patients being offered more choice.
Source: HSJ 9 December 2025
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment