Under the NHS Right to Choose scheme, you have the legal right to choose which provider you’re referred to for certain medical services. This gives you more control over your care and allows you to access services that best meet your needs.

However, there’s something important you need to know before we send your referral.

Some providers under the Right to Choose scheme ask us to send referrals to them by email. Unfortunately, the email addresses they use are not secure — meaning they don’t have the same level of protection as NHS systems.

This doesn’t mean you can’t be referred. It just means that if we send your referral this way, there’s a risk that your personal information could be seen by someone who shouldn’t have access to it.

You still have every right to choose your provider and request a referral. But if you ask us to send your referral to a provider using an unsecured email address, you need to understand the risks involved.

We will only send your information this way if:

• You’ve been fully informed of the risks

• You give us clear consent to go ahead

When we send a referral, it usually includes:

• A referral form completed by your clinician

• A summary of your medical records

• Any additional information the provider has requested (this could include details about your mental health history, current treatment, or support needs)

This information helps the provider understand your situation and offer the right care. But because it contains sensitive personal and medical details, it’s important to think carefully before agreeing to send it via an unsecured method.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Your data may not be fully protected: Unlike NHS systems, unsecured email doesn’t have strong safeguards to keep your information private.

• There’s a small chance of interception: In rare cases, emails can be intercepted or accessed by someone who isn’t authorised — for example, if the provider’s email account is compromised or if the message is misdirected.

We want to be honest and transparent so you can make an informed decision.

If you’re unsure or have questions, please speak to the clinician handling your referral. We’re here to help you understand your options and make the choice that feels right for you.

Your privacy matters to us, and we’ll never send your information without your explicit permission.