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If you're considering having an operation or your GP has suggested you may need surgery, this guide is for you.

It'll take you through all the steps in the process, from referral to recovery, so you're fully prepared and know what questions to ask at each stage.

Before you start, you'll need to decide which hospital you'd like to be referred to. Find out about NHS hospital services and choosing a hospital.

You can also compare hospitals by following these steps:

• find hospitals by surgical procedures
• enter your postcode and the name of your operation or select it from the surgical procedures A-Z
• you'll be taken to a page listing the hospitals that can carry out the operation
• using the columns and drop-down menu, you can compare hospitals based on things such CQC inspection ratings, safety and facilities

Once you have chosen your hospital, in most cases your GP will refer you to see a specialist at this hospital.