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Ear, nose and throat (ENT) waiting times in the UK

Official NHS waiting times for ear, nose and throat (ENT) 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 far15 wkEar Nose and Throat

Within 18 weeks (target 92%)57.6%594,940 people waiting

On the NHSFreewith a GP referral

Paying privately£200–£300Estimate first private appointment (typical)

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Shortest NHS waits in England for ear Nose and Throat

The 15 hospitals with the shortest median wait, out of 159 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
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust	NHS	South East	2 wk	100%	50
Rsa (Athena Surgical Centre)	Private · takes NHS	South East	2 wk	100%	94
Spire Cheshire Hospital	Private · takes NHS	North West	3 wk	93.7%	63
The Living Care Group	Private · takes NHS	Yorkshire and The Humber	3 wk	100%	101
Epsomedical Group	Private · takes NHS	South East	3 wk	91.4%	139
Spire Harpenden Hospital	Private · takes NHS	East of England	4 wk	97.9%	47
Spire Bushey Hospital	Private · takes NHS	East of England	4 wk	93.3%	45
Spire Fylde Coast Hospital	Private · takes NHS	North West	5 wk	76.6%	111
Droitwich Spa Hospital	Private · takes NHS	West Midlands	5 wk	97.4%	39
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust	NHS	London	5 wk	88.7%	733
Spire Liverpool Hospital	Private · takes NHS	North West	6 wk	98.5%	402
Benenden Hospital	Private · takes NHS	South East	6 wk	77.2%	136
Inhealth Limited	Private · takes NHS	South East	6 wk	87.9%	922
Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre - St Marys Portsmouth	Private · takes NHS	South East	6 wk	88.6%	255
Nuffield Health the Holly Hospital	Private · takes NHS	East of England	6 wk	71.2%	497

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Each nation publishes its own figures, measured differently, so they're shown separately (specialty: ear, nose and throat (ENT)).

Scotland

Half of the 13,603 people waiting for treatment had waited 160 days or less so far; 90% had waited less than 503 days (month ending 31 August 2026). Shortest by NHS board: NHS Shetland (33 days), NHS Tayside (63 days), NHS Dumfries and Galloway (104 days).

Wales

46,617 patient pathways waiting; 39.6% for 26 weeks or more and 16.5% for over a year (July 2026). Wales doesn't publish a median wait.

Northern Ireland

6,313 people waiting for treatment (quarter ending 30 June 2026). Median wait so far by trust: Southern 35 wk, Northern 41 wk, Western 73 wk, Belfast 104 wk, Regional day procedure centres 109 wk, South Eastern 109 wk (worked out from published week bands, so approximate).

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Common questions

How long is the NHS wait for ear, nose and throat (ENT)?

In England, half of the 594,940 people currently waiting for ear Nose and Throat treatment had been waiting 15 wks or less so far, and 57.6% within 18 weeks (July 2026; the NHS standard is 92%). It varies a lot by hospital: the shortest median above is 2 wk.

How much does ear, nose and throat (ENT) cost privately in the UK?

Typically £200–£300 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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