Published on 01 September 2026
The answer to the question is yes although some limitations exist.
In England, if your doctor considers you should be referred to a specialist, then you usually have the right to select where you receive your NHS treatment. This can include many private hospitals which provide services funded by the NHS.
Essentially, you do not have to pay for treatment if it is organised through the NHS.
Choosing a private healthcare provider can greatly reduce the time waiting for a treatment. Months of pain may be avoided and risks of a condition worsening before treatment may be reduced.
To assist with the process, you should:
- Ask your GP to outline your options when a referral is suggested
- Remember you can choose a private hospital or clinic and, if this is your wish, tell your doctor
- Note that the NHS will cover treatment costs in a private facility in the same way it would in an NHS hospital
- Recognise that the choice applies to planned treatments not emergency ones
- Compare relevant waiting times and available providers through the NHS e-Referral Service
Which treatments can be referred to a private hospital?
The range of treatments that can be provided in private facilities through NHS funding is large.
Often covered are:
- Orthopaedics (including hip and knee surgery)
- General surgery (such as hernia treatments and gallbladder surgery)
- Ophthalmology (cataract surgery and treatments for eye conditions)
- ENT (ear, nose and throat treatments)
- Dermatology
- Gynaecology
- Urology
- Gastroenterology
- Cardiology consultations and some diagnostics
- Pain management
- Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, ultrasound)
What exactly is the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS)?
This service runs the NHS's national online system for referring patients from primary care, including GP practices, to specialist services, hospitals, clinics, community services, and diagnostic services in England.
It assists healthcare professionals manage referrals electronically and allows patients to book and manage appointments.
Healthcare professionals can use the NHS e-Referral Service to:
- Create referrals and send these to facilities providing specialist services
- Book appointments for patients or enable patients to book
- Change or cancel appointments
- Obtain advice and guidance from specialist clinicians before making a referral
What it means for you
If your GP or another healthcare professional refers you through the NHS e-Referral Service, you will usually receive:
- A booking reference number (UBRN)
- A password or access code
- Applicable information on how to book your appointment online, by phone, or sometimes at the GP surgery
You can use the service to:
- Select your facility from available hospitals or clinics
- Book an appointment on a day and time that suit you
- Check, change, or cancel an appointment
Why is the service beneficial?
The service is useful as it:
- Gives patients more choice and control over where and when they receive treatments
- Reduces paperwork and administrative delays
- Assists healthcare professionals manage referrals and patient journeys more efficiently
Choosing Benenden Hospital
Patients from across the UK are choosing Benenden Hospital for high-quality care through the NHS e-Referral Service.
If your GP tells you that you need specialist treatment, you can ask to be referred to Benenden Hospital as an NHS patient, provided it offers the service you need.
How to be referred
- See your GP or another NHS referrer
- Ask whether Benenden Hospital is available for your required treatment
- If it is, request that the referral is sent to Benenden Hospital through the NHS e-Referral Service
- Your GP surgery may be able to book an initial appointment immediately. If not, you will receive a letter from your GP with a booking code (UBRN), a password, and information on how to book
Contact your GP or NHS refer to start your journey or find out more information about funding your treatment as an NHS patient. If you’re an existing patient or have another query, please get in touch.