How long does it take to see a NHS consultant?
Under 10 weeks. Well, it should be under 18 weeks from GP referral to treatment (about 4 months) for most non urgent cases, and 2 weeks for suspected cancer. The longer version follows.
There are targets for many parts of the NHS in England, and are mainly related to hospitals. There are no agreed major targets for GPs.
Maximum waiting times for non-urgent referrals (from your GP to a hospital consultant)
The maximum waiting time for an non-urgent, consultant referral is 18 weeks from when the hospital receives your referral letter (or from the day it is booked through the NHS e-Referral Service).
It is important to note this means the time to the definitive treatment, decided on by the consultant, not seeing the consultant. The ‘treatment’ could mean an operation, procedure, starting dialysis or a specific hospital-only drug, or no treatment (if none is required). This why the full name is the ‘Referral-to-Treatment (RTT) 18 Week Pathway Referral’.
There is more on 18 week target here on CKDEx.
Maximum waiting times for urgent cancer referrals
The maximum waiting time for suspected cancer is 2 weeks from when the hospital receives your referral letter (or from the day it is booked through the NHS e-Referral Service).
NB: Referrals for investigations of breast symptoms, where cancer is not initially suspected, are not urgent; and therefore fall outside the scope of the 2 week target, and 18 weeks applies.
After the 2 week referral, there is another target (of 62 days) until your cancer treatment should start.
Note. In October 2023, NHS England changed this 2 week target to a 28 day one in England. But the whole of the UK has not brought this in yet.
Compare waiting times
Waiting times may vary between hospitals, and you should consider this when choosing a hospital.
When you are referred for your first outpatient appointment, the NHS e-Referral Service lets you book the appointment at a hospital or clinic of your choice, on a date and at a time that suits you. It is not easy to use this service, especially if you are older and not into computers. Maybe there is a younger member of your family can help you.
You can use the My Planned Care website to compare waiting times at different hospitals. Unfortunately the information there is not complete. Have a look anyway.
You have the legal right to ask to be seen or treated by a different hospital if you are likely to wait longer than the maximum waiting time specified for your treatment. Ask.
What happens if my operation is cancelled at the last minute?
If the hospital or service cancels your operation at the last minute (on or after the day of admission), they should offer another binding date within 28 days, or fund your treatment at a date and hospital of your choice.
If you’re not offered an appointment within 28 days, you should complain to your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) using the NHS complaints procedure. An ICB is a local level if NHS administration in England. Search ‘ICB’ and your area on Google to find your local ICB.
If your operation is cancelled before the day of admission, the hospital or service is not obliged to provide an alternative option within 28 days.
NHS Constitution
In England, the waiting times and expectations above, are your right under the NHS Constitution. So it your right (and role) to fight for them. Complain if you are not getting things done in good time.
How? The hospital PALS Department is a good place to start. Then if you are not getting anywhere, again contact your ICB. If that fails, go to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, or your Member of Parliament.
Summary
We have described how long it takes to see a NHS consultant. It should be under 18 weeks, for a non-urgent problem. MyHSN is very sorry many people are waiting too long at present.
