Give patients a right to receive a medical second opinion

Summary

We call on the Government to introduce legislation giving patients a clear legal right to receive a second medical opinion within the NHS, without fear of refusal, delay, or negative impact on their ongoing care. Patients may be told they can request a second opinion, but this is often refused without explanation as they currently do not have a legal right to receive one. This leaves people—especially those with rare, complex or life-limiting conditions—at risk of misdiagnosis and delayed care. A legal right would improve patient safety, reduce bias, support earlier diagnosis, empower patients, and increase transparency and trust within the NHS.

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Timeline

1. 15 December 2025

   Petition

   We call on the Government to introduce legislation giving patients a clear legal right to receive a second medical opinion within the NHS, without fear of refusal, delay, or negative impact on their ongoing care. Patients may be told they can request a second opinion, but this is often refused without explanation as they currently do not have a legal right to receive one. This leaves people—especially those with rare, complex or life-limiting conditions—at risk of misdiagnosis and delayed care. A legal right would improve patient safety, reduce bias, support earlier diagnosis, empower patients, and increase transparency and trust within the NHS.

   Source: Petition

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