FairWaitColonoscopy waiting times and costs in the UK
Official NHS waiting times for colonoscopy 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.
Shortest NHS waits in England for gastroenterology
The 15 hospitals with the shortest median wait, out of 184 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Living Care Group | Private · takes NHS | Yorkshire and The Humber | <1 wk | 100% | 498 |
| Endocare Diagnostics Ltd | Private · takes NHS | North West | <1 wk | 100% | 71 |
| Practice Plus Group Hospital - Plymouth | Private · takes NHS | South West | 1 wk | 100% | 80 |
| Practice Plus Group Hospital - Ilford | Private · takes NHS | London | 2 wk | 75% | 136 |
| Nuffield Health Highgate Hospital | Private · takes NHS | London | 2 wk | 91.2% | 34 |
| Practice Plus Group Hospital - Southampton | Private · takes NHS | South East | 2 wk | 100% | 313 |
| Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre - Gillingham | Private · takes NHS | South East | 2 wk | 100% | 179 |
| Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre - St Marys Portsmouth | Private · takes NHS | South East | 2 wk | 100% | 450 |
| Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre - Devizes | Private · takes NHS | South West | 3 wk | 100% | 204 |
| Practice Plus Group Hospital - Emersons Green | Private · takes NHS | South West | 3 wk | 100% | 549 |
| Sloane Hospital | Private · takes NHS | London | 3 wk | 83.3% | 30 |
| Pinehill Hospital | Private · takes NHS | East of England | 3 wk | 92.2% | 64 |
| Practice Plus Group Hospital - Shepton Mallet | Private · takes NHS | South West | 3 wk | 99.5% | 185 |
| Fulwood Hall Hospital | Private · takes NHS | North West | 3 wk | 100% | 27 |
| Sulis Hospital Bath (Foxcote Avenue) | Private · takes NHS | South West | 3 wk | 93.6% | 47 |
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Each nation publishes its own figures, measured differently, so they're shown separately (specialty: gastroenterology).
Scotland
Half of the 280 people waiting for treatment had waited 20 days or less so far; 90% had waited less than 159 days (month ending 31 August 2026). Shortest by NHS board: NHS Dumfries and Galloway (—), NHS Highland (—), NHS Tayside (—).
Wales
41,093 patient pathways waiting; 34.6% for 26 weeks or more and 12.0% for over a year (July 2026). Wales doesn't publish a median wait.
Northern Ireland
9,335 people waiting for treatment (quarter ending 30 June 2026). Median wait so far by trust: Regional day procedure centres 3 wk, Western 4 wk, Northern 4 wk, South Eastern 5 wk, Belfast 5 wk, Southern 7 wk (worked out from published week bands, so approximate).
Common questions
How long is the NHS wait for colonoscopy?
In England, half of the 362,206 people currently waiting for gastroenterology treatment had been waiting 11 wks or less so far, and 69.4% within 18 weeks (July 2026; the NHS standard is 92%). It varies a lot by hospital: the shortest median above is <1 wk. The NHS publishes waits by specialty, not by individual operation, so this is the wait for the specialty that treats it.
How much does colonoscopy cost privately in the UK?
Typically £1,800–£2,800 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.