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Cardiology waiting times in the UK

Official NHS waiting times for cardiology at every hospital in England, and how Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland compare, plus what it costs to go private. Figures from July 2026, checked daily.

England · median wait so far12 wkCardiology

Within 18 weeks (target 92%)67.8%366,165 people waiting

On the NHSFreewith a GP referral

Paying privately£220–£350Estimate first private appointment (typical)

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Shortest NHS waits in England for cardiology

The 15 hospitals with the shortest median wait, out of 127 hospitals treating NHS patients. Private hospitals here treat NHS patients for free on a GP referral. Figures are for each NHS trust or provider as a whole.

Hospital / trust	Type	Region	Median wait so far	Within 18 weeks	Waiting
Nuffield Health the Holly Hospital	Private · takes NHS	East of England	3 wk	100%	55
Care Plus Group	Private · takes NHS	Yorkshire and The Humber	4 wk	89.3%	281
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust	NHS	Yorkshire and The Humber	5 wk	95.6%	3,289
The Hamptons Hospital Ltd	Private · takes NHS	East of England	5 wk	80.8%	73
United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust	NHS		6 wk	91.2%	1,234
Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust	NHS	Yorkshire and The Humber	6 wk	92.3%	899
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust	NHS	North West	6 wk	86.5%	661
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust	NHS	North West	6 wk	94.6%	998
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust	NHS	North West	7 wk	92.2%	1,838
Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust	NHS	Yorkshire and The Humber	7 wk	95.8%	733
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust	NHS	North East	7 wk	83.5%	638
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust	NHS	North East	7 wk	97.1%	1,587
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust	NHS	North West	7 wk	80.8%	907
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust	NHS	North East	7 wk	85.7%	1,313
Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust	NHS	South East	7 wk	89.2%	2,796

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Each nation publishes its own figures, measured differently, so they're shown separately (specialty: cardiology).

Scotland

Half of the 4,151 people waiting for treatment had waited 81 days or less so far; 90% had waited less than 327 days (month ending 31 August 2026). Shortest by NHS board: NHS Dumfries and Galloway (—), NHS Forth Valley (—), NHS Highland (19 days).

Wales

36,053 patient pathways waiting; 29.7% for 26 weeks or more and 8.9% for over a year (July 2026). Wales doesn't publish a median wait.

Northern Ireland

3,198 people waiting for treatment (quarter ending 30 June 2026). Median wait so far by trust: Northern 9 wk, Belfast 15 wk, South Eastern 16 wk, Western 27 wk, Southern 39 wk (worked out from published week bands, so approximate).

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Common questions

How long is the NHS wait for cardiology?

In England, half of the 366,165 people currently waiting for cardiology treatment had been waiting 12 wks or less so far, and 67.8% within 18 weeks (July 2026; the NHS standard is 92%). It varies a lot by hospital: the shortest median above is 3 wk.

How much does cardiology cost privately in the UK?

Typically £220–£350 as a self-pay patient. This is a FairWait estimate from published price lists — prices vary by hospital and consultant, so ask for a written quote. On the NHS it's free.

Can I choose a hospital with a shorter wait?

In England you have the legal right to choose where you're referred for most planned hospital treatment, including private hospitals that treat NHS patients, at no cost. Ask your GP, or see the NHS guide to choosing a hospital.

Sources: NHS England — Referral to Treatment waiting times (July 2026) · Public Health Scotland · Welsh Government (StatsWales) · Department of Health (NI). Private prices are FairWait estimates. All data sources.

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