Did you know that is most cases you have the legal right to choose where you receive your NHS treatment? You can view information regarding what choices are available to NHS patients in the NHS Choice Framework. The NHS is offering more and more options to enable you to make choices that best suit your circumstances, giving you greater control of your care, and hopefully better results.

If a GP is referring you or your child to see a birthmark specialist, in most cases you have the legal right to choose the hospital or service you’d like to go to. Therefore, research is key. If you are unhappy with the waiting times or treatment offered to you at your local hospital, research birthmark specialists or dermatologist in other areas and ask your GP to refer you to them. This also includes many private hospitals if they provide services to the NHS and it does not cost the NHS any more than a referral to a standard NHS hospital.

You can also choose a clinical team led by a consultant or named healthcare professional, as long as that team provides the treatment you require. To find out more visit choosing a hospital or consultant.

You can book your appointment via the NHS e-Referral service. It can be done while you’re at the GP surgery, or online, using the shortlist of hospitals or services provided in your appointment request letter. The shortlist is selected by your GP, so make sure you tell them about your preferences during the appointment.

To agree on the shortlist, you and your GP can compare information about hospitals or consultants on this website, including quality outcomes, waiting times, parking and travel. Use the services near you link to make an informed decision before booking.