Can anyone explain NHS e-Referral to me?

[MagicVanillaBeans]

I need a colonoscopy and have been referred for one ‘within two weeks’ but had a call from my local hospital to say they’re struggling with numbers and it will be weeks before I’m seen. I can’t afford to go privately, but I’ve seen that you can potentially choose where/when you’re seen via NHS e-referral, including at a private hospital? The online info seems quite obtuse - does anyone know if a colonoscopy would be covered under this? I’d ask my GP surgery, but of course I’ve thought of this 5 minutes after it shuts for the weekend……..

In a word, "no" you can't choose if you've been referred under the two week wait pathway.
Theres been lots of noise this week about patient choice regarding referrals but the system is limited by availability and governed by legislation.

Thank you @TheSparkling I thought that might be the case. Does that still apply of the two we’ll wait isn’t being adhered to?

Sorry for typos.. I meant: ‘if the two week wait’

As far as I know it does still apply across the country even if the wait is longer than two weeks. Unfortunately lots of departments have a backlog and are not seeing people within the two weeks but it is still a fast track referral and you will be seen as soon as they can get you in.
Sorry you are in this position and I hope you're appointment comes through very soon.