What is the NHS 18-week target?▾
The NHS Constitution states that patients should wait no more than 18 weeks (about 4 months) from GP referral to treatment. This is known as the Referral to Treatment (RTT) standard. As of 2025, many specialties exceed this target, particularly orthopaedics and ophthalmology.
How are NHS waiting times measured?▾
NHS waiting times are measured from the date of the GP referral to the start of treatment (RTT). This includes diagnostic tests, outpatient appointments and the procedure itself. Clock stops include patient-initiated delays and periods of active monitoring.
Can I check NHS waiting times for my local hospital?▾
Yes. NHS England publishes monthly RTT waiting time data by trust and specialty on their website. You can also check the NHS e-Referral Service when your GP makes a referral, and the My Planned Care website provides trust-level average waits for common procedures.
What is the NHS Right to Choose?▾
The NHS Right to Choose means you can choose any hospital or clinic for your first outpatient appointment, including some private hospitals that provide NHS-funded care. This can significantly reduce your waiting time as you are not limited to your local trust.
What happens if I wait longer than 18 weeks?▾
If you have waited longer than 18 weeks, your trust should be actively managing your care. You can contact the hospital Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), ask your GP to chase the referral, or consider requesting a transfer to another provider with shorter waits.
Do cancer referrals have different waiting times?▾
Yes. The NHS has a 2-week wait (2WW) target for suspected cancer referrals, meaning you should be seen by a specialist within 14 days. The target for starting cancer treatment is 62 days from urgent GP referral. These pathways are prioritised over routine referrals.
How do NHS waiting times vary by region?▾
Waiting times vary significantly across England. Generally, London and the South East have the longest waits due to population density, while some rural areas and the North may have shorter waits for certain specialties. Check your specific trust for accurate data.
Can I speed up my NHS referral?▾
You can ask your GP about the Right to Choose, request referral to a provider with shorter waits, check if there is a community-based alternative service, or ask about virtual consultations. For some conditions, a choose-and-book appointment can be faster.
What is the NHS Elective Recovery programme?▾
The NHS Elective Recovery programme aims to reduce waiting lists following the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes Community Diagnostic Centres, surgical hubs, increased theatre capacity and weekend working. The goal is to eliminate waits over 65 weeks.
Are NHS mental health waiting times different?▾
Mental health waiting times are measured differently and are often longer. NHS Talking Therapies has a target of starting treatment within 6 weeks for 75% of patients, but specialist mental health services (CMHT, eating disorders) can have waits of 6-18 months or more.