Fertility Glossary

Secondary care referral

A referral from primary care (your GP) to a hospital or specialist clinic.

NHS & fertility access

Fertility clinics in hospitals are secondary care; specialist IVF units are sometimes called tertiary care.

Also known as: hospital referral, tertiary care

Related United Kingdom guides

Fertility Referrals

Sources

NICE CG156 — Fertility problems: assessment and treatment
NHS — IVF
NHS England — Integrated care boards

Last reviewed: 23 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Related terms

GP fertility referral

Your GP sending you to a specialist fertility service.

Explore in-depth guides

Learn more with Antega's fertility guides and articles.

Browse guides