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.