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Waiting for hospital treatment in England? Know your rights and check your wait

In England, you have a legal right to start non-urgent consultant-led treatment within a maximum of 18 weeks from referral, and to see a specialist quickly if cancer is suspected. You can usually choose where you are treated, check hospital waiting times online, and ask for a faster alternative if you will wait longer than the maximum.

Reviewed 07/11/2026 · Applies to: England

Who this helps

Newcomers and families in England who have been referred by a GP for hospital or specialist care and want to understand their waiting time rights.

What to do

  1. Know the main time limit: for non-urgent, consultant-led treatment the maximum wait is 18 weeks. The clock starts when the hospital or service receives your referral letter, or when you book your first appointment through the NHS e-Referral Service.
  2. If cancer is suspected, expect faster care: the NHS says you should usually get an appointment or tests within about 2 weeks, and cancer should be confirmed or ruled out within 28 days.
  3. Use your right to choose when you are referred: in most cases you can choose the hospital or service, including private hospitals that provide NHS services. Compare the wait for a first appointment, how quickly treatment can start and how far you would travel.
  4. Check and compare average waiting times at your local hospitals on the NHS My Planned Care website, which is updated weekly. To book, check, change or cancel a referred appointment, use the NHS e-Referral Service (Manage Your Referral) or the NHS App, with your booking reference from whoever referred you.
  5. If you will wait longer than 18 weeks, ask to be seen or treated by a different provider. The hospital or your integrated care board (ICB) must look into it and offer suitable alternatives that can see you sooner.
  6. If the hospital cancels your operation on or after the day of admission for non-clinical reasons, it should offer another date within 28 days or fund treatment at a time and hospital of your choice. If it does not, complain to your local ICB.
  7. For advice or help with a concern, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at your hospital. Ask your GP surgery or hospital, or call NHS 111, for PALS details. PALS can also explain the NHS complaints procedure if you are unhappy with the response.

Before you act

  • England only: this right applies to services commissioned by the NHS in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules.
  • The 18-week right does not apply if you choose to wait longer, if a delay is in your best clinical interests, if your condition is being actively monitored, if you miss appointments, or if treatment is no longer needed. It also excludes maternity services, local authority public health services and non-consultant-led mental health services.
  • If your symptoms get worse while you wait, contact your GP or NHS 111; in an emergency call 999 or go to A&E.
  • General information, not medical or legal advice.

Take the next step

Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.

NHS guide to your waiting time rights in England ↗

Destination: www.nhs.uk

Sources

MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.