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United Kingdom: Second opinion

In the United Kingdom you can ask for a second opinion in the NHS; it is not a legal right, but requests are usually considered.

Last updated: ~1 min read
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Figure 1.A second look — United Kingdom: Second opinion

01Short answer

For a second opinion, you can ask your consultant or GP to refer you to another specialist. A haematologist at another hospital reviews your results; your first team usually continues treatment. Asking for a second opinion is not a sign of distrust.

02Simple explanation

Request: to your consultant or GP.

Referral: from a doctor.

NHS: usually free.

03Scientific explanation

When it helps: with a rare type, a complex decision or a transplant choice.

Research: a second opinion may also reveal new clinical trials.

04What happens in the body?

A second look

Another specialist assesses the same information.

Records

Results and scans are sent through official channels.

On a dark navy background, a folder between hospitals.
Figure 2.Sending records — United Kingdom: Second opinion

Decision

Discuss both opinions with your team.

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Figure 3.A calm decision — United Kingdom: Second opinion

05The second-opinion path

Four steps.

Team — Tell them.1TeamTell them.
Referral — Get one.2ReferralGet one.
Records — Send them.3RecordsSend them.
Compare — Discuss.4CompareDiscuss.
ConfidenceA firm decision.
OpennessYour team knows.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
A second lookAnother specialist assesses the same information.
RecordsResults and scans are sent through official channels.
DecisionDiscuss both opinions with your team.

07Key terms

Second opinion
Second opinion.
Referral
Referral.
Records
Records.
Consultant
Consultant.

08Key points

  • Tell your team openly.
  • Check payment.
  • Send all results.
  • Write down questions.
  • Do not delay treatment.

09Frequently asked questions

Will my doctor be offended?

A second opinion is normal practice.

A second opinion abroad?

Possible, but payment rules differ; see “United Kingdom: Treatment abroad”.

What if opinions differ?

Discuss both with your team.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Will my doctor be offended?

  2. A second opinion abroad?

  3. What if opinions differ?

My questions

12Sources

  1. GOV.UK (Department of Health and Social Care). The NHS Constitution for England
  2. Macmillan Cancer Support. Official website
  3. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Seeking a Second Opinion
  4. American Cancer Society. Seeking a Second Opinion
  5. Voedingscentrum (Netherlands Nutrition Centre). Official website (in Dutch)
  6. Vewin (Association of Dutch drinking water companies). Official website
  7. Business.gov.nl (Netherlands Enterprise Agency). Sick pay: continued payment of wages
  8. KWF Kankerbestrijding. Official website (in Dutch)
  9. GOV.UK (FCDO). Netherlands travel advice: getting help
  10. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO). Global Cancer Observatory: United Kingdom fact sheet
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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