The 18-week standard
The NHS Constitution sets out that patients in England should start consultant-led non-urgent treatment within 18 weeks of referral, unless it's clinically appropriate to wait longer or you choose to wait.
Your rights
What you can do if your NHS wait is too long
Plain-English summary of the rights NHS patients in England have when waiting for consultant-led care. For your individual situation, always speak to your GP or clinician.
Patient choice
If the NHS cannot start your eligible non-urgent consultant-led treatment within the applicable maximum waiting time, you can ask the provider you were referred to or your local ICB to investigate alternatives. The NHS must take all reasonable steps to offer a suitable alternative provider that could see or treat you sooner, subject to the rules and exceptions. This is separate from choosing a provider when you are first referred and does not mean an automatic transfer.
Speaking to PALS
Every NHS hospital has a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). They can confirm where you are on the pathway, look into delays, and help raise concerns informally before any complaint.
When to consider private options
Some patients consider a private consultation or self-pay diagnostic to get clarity faster, then return to the NHS for treatment. This is a personal decision and should be weighed up against cost and clinical need.
Making a formal complaint
If your concerns aren't resolved, you have the right to make a formal complaint to the hospital trust, and ultimately to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.