FairWaitRheumatology appointment waiting times and costs in the UK
Official NHS waiting times for rheumatology 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 rheumatology
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: rheumatology).
Scotland
Half of the 55 people waiting for treatment had waited 74 days or less so far; 90% had waited less than 222 days (month ending 31 August 2026). Shortest by NHS board: NHS Lothian (—), NHS Tayside (—), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (—).
Wales
9,566 patient pathways waiting; 39.4% for 26 weeks or more and 13.3% for over a year (July 2026). Wales doesn't publish a median wait.
Northern Ireland
1,484 people waiting for treatment (quarter ending 30 June 2026). Median wait so far by trust: Southern 4 wk, Belfast 9 wk, South Eastern 33 wk (worked out from published week bands, so approximate).
Common questions
How long is the NHS wait for rheumatology appointment?
In England, half of the 117,922 people currently waiting for rheumatology treatment had been waiting 11 wks or less so far, and 70.3% within 18 weeks (July 2026; the NHS standard is 92%). It varies a lot by hospital: the shortest median above is 3 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 rheumatology appointment 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.