Your GP will discuss with you and, if appropriate, your carer why a referral is being recommended.
You are usually referred because your GP wants a specialist’s help in deciding how best to treat your condition or they do not have the equipment at the surgery for the required tests and investigations.
If your GP needs to refer you to a consultant-led service for a physical or mental health condition, in most cases you have the right to choose which hospital you go to.
If you do not express a preference, your GP will tend to refer you to a local hospital near where you live that is part of the local healthcare system.