FairWaitSpecialist consultation waiting times and costs in the UK
Official NHS waiting times for specialist consultation 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 all specialties
The 15 hospitals with the shortest median wait, out of 507 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endocare Diagnostics Ltd | Private · takes NHS | North West | <1 wk | 100% | 71 |
| The Living Care Group | Private · takes NHS | Yorkshire and The Humber | <1 wk | 100% | 672 |
| Spamedica Ipswich Diagnostic & Treatment Centre | Private · takes NHS | East of England | 2 wk | 100% | 33 |
| Spamedica Newcastle-Under-Lyme | Private · takes NHS | West Midlands | 2 wk | 97.7% | 347 |
| Rapid Investigation Service | Private · takes NHS | South East | 2 wk | 100% | 207 |
| Rsa (Athena Surgical Centre) | Private · takes NHS | South East | 2 wk | 100% | 94 |
| Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust | NHS | London | 3 wk | 100% | 200 |
| ACES Southampton | Private · takes NHS | South East | 3 wk | 97.9% | 47 |
| Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust | NHS | West Midlands | 3 wk | 97% | 33 |
| About Health Hq | Private · takes NHS | South West | 3 wk | 100% | 1,759 |
| ACES Liverpool | Private · takes NHS | North West | 3 wk | 92.1% | 63 |
| Novus Health Ltd | Private · takes NHS | Yorkshire and The Humber | 4 wk | 99% | 1,232 |
| Spamedica Bexhill | Private · takes NHS | South East | 4 wk | 94.8% | 229 |
| Anglia Community Eye Service - Thetford Healthy Living Centre | Private · takes NHS | East of England | 4 wk | 97.9% | 292 |
| Cotswolds Surgical Partners | Private · takes NHS | South West | 4 wk | 97.7% | 308 |
Common questions
How long is the NHS wait for specialist consultation (first)?
In England, half of the 7,162,692 people currently waiting for all specialties treatment had been waiting 12 wks or less so far, and 65.3% within 18 weeks (July 2026; the NHS standard is 92%). It varies a lot by hospital: the shortest median above is <1 wk.
How much does specialist consultation (first) cost privately in the UK?
Typically £180–£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). Private prices are FairWait estimates. All data sources.