FairWaitGeneral surgery appointment waiting times and costs in the UK
Official NHS waiting times for general surgery appointment 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 general Surgery
The 15 hospitals with the shortest median wait, out of 259 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | Yorkshire and The Humber | 2 wk | 91.3% | 23 |
| Dorking Healthcare Limited (Dhc) | Private · takes NHS | South East | 3 wk | 98.1% | 107 |
| Independent Health Group | Private · takes NHS | South West | 3 wk | 98.2% | 383 |
| University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | South West | 3 wk | 90.3% | 838 |
| Spire St Anthony's Hospital | Private · takes NHS | London | 4 wk | 88.1% | 294 |
| Huddersfield Private Hospital | Private · takes NHS | Yorkshire and The Humber | 4 wk | 94.7% | 188 |
| Clementine Churchill Hospital | Private · takes NHS | London | 4 wk | 100% | 354 |
| Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre - St Marys Portsmouth | Private · takes NHS | South East | 4 wk | 93.1% | 377 |
| The Hamptons Hospital Ltd | Private · takes NHS | East of England | 4 wk | 92.3% | 39 |
| KIMS Hospital (Newnham Court) | Private · takes NHS | South East | 5 wk | 94.7% | 57 |
| Spire Harpenden Hospital | Private · takes NHS | East of England | 5 wk | 92.5% | 147 |
| Chiltern Hospital | Private · takes NHS | South East | 5 wk | 95.6% | 45 |
| Shirley Oaks Hospital | Private · takes NHS | London | 5 wk | 79.2% | 96 |
| The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital Ltd | Private · takes NHS | South East | 5 wk | 84.4% | 32 |
| Blackheath Hospital | Private · takes NHS | London | 5 wk | 83.2% | 143 |
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Each nation publishes its own figures, measured differently, so they're shown separately (specialty: general surgery).
Scotland
Half of the 5,579 people waiting for treatment had waited 110 days or less so far; 90% had waited less than 310 days (month ending 31 August 2026). Shortest by NHS board: NHS Orkney (20 days), NHS Shetland (48 days), NHS Western Isles (49 days).
Wales
67,875 patient pathways waiting; 41.4% for 26 weeks or more and 18.2% for over a year (July 2026). Wales doesn't publish a median wait.
Northern Ireland
6,221 people waiting for treatment (quarter ending 30 June 2026). Median wait so far by trust: Northern 19 wk, South Eastern 26 wk, Regional day procedure centres 28 wk, Southern 32 wk, Western 32 wk, Belfast 77 wk (worked out from published week bands, so approximate).
Common questions
How long is the NHS wait for general surgery appointment?
In England, half of the 383,577 people currently waiting for general Surgery treatment had been waiting 13 wks or less so far, and 63% within 18 weeks (July 2026; the NHS standard is 92%). It varies a lot by hospital: the shortest median above is 2 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 general surgery appointment 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.