FairWaitRespiratory medicine waiting times in the UK
Official NHS waiting times for respiratory medicine 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 respiratory Medicine
The 15 hospitals with the shortest median wait, out of 122 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.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Each nation publishes its own figures, measured differently, so they're shown separately (specialty: respiratory medicine).
Scotland
Half of the 205 people waiting for treatment had waited 28 days or less so far; 90% had waited less than 182 days (month ending 31 August 2026). Shortest by NHS board: NHS Ayrshire and Arran (—), NHS Grampian (—), NHS Highland (—).
Wales
14,055 patient pathways waiting; 18.6% for 26 weeks or more and 2.8% for over a year (July 2026). Wales doesn't publish a median wait.
Northern Ireland
322 people waiting for treatment (quarter ending 30 June 2026). Median wait so far by trust: Western 4 wk, Northern 4 wk, South Eastern 5 wk, Southern 6 wk, Belfast 34 wk (worked out from published week bands, so approximate).
Common questions
How long is the NHS wait for respiratory medicine?
In England, half of the 184,610 people currently waiting for respiratory Medicine treatment had been waiting 10 wks or less so far, and 74.7% 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 respiratory medicine cost privately in the UK?
Typically £200–£320 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.