NHS Referrals and Waiting Times: Common Questions
The route from a GP appointment to being seen by a hospital specialist, and the standards that govern how long it should take.
Last revised
NHS Referrals and Waiting Times: the questions people actually ask, answered from published guidance.
Key takeaways
- Referral to treatment: eighteen weeks from referral to the start of treatment, in England
- Suspected cancer: diagnosis confirmed or ruled out within twenty-eight days of an urgent referral
- Most useful single change: Ask the GP what the referral says and which service it went to.
- Commonest mistake: Assuming silence means you are on a list, since referrals do go astray.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to get help" below apply to you.
What is NHS Referrals and Waiting Times?
The route from a GP appointment to being seen by a hospital specialist, and the standards that govern how long it should take.
Why does it matter?
The standards are rights rather than aspirations, and knowing them is the difference between waiting and chasing.
Referral to treatment for NHS Referrals and Waiting Times?
Eighteen weeks from referral to the start of treatment, in England.
Suspected cancer for NHS Referrals and Waiting Times?
Diagnosis confirmed or ruled out within twenty-eight days of an urgent referral.
Choice of hospital for NHS Referrals and Waiting Times?
You can usually choose where you are referred for a first outpatient appointment.
If the wait is longer for NHS Referrals and Waiting Times?
Your commissioner should offer an alternative provider.
What is the single most useful thing to do?
Ask the GP what the referral says and which service it went to.
What is the most common mistake?
Assuming silence means you are on a list, since referrals do go astray.
When should I see a doctor?
Do not wait for a hospital appointment if symptoms worsen sharply — new or increasing pain, bleeding, weight loss, or anything that frightens you. Contact your GP or 111, and 999 for an emergency.
Where to go next
- NHS Referrals and Waiting Times: The Quick Reference
- The Evidence on NHS Referrals and Waiting Times, Without the Hype
- NHS Referrals and Waiting Times — the reference entry
- The Evidence on Asking for a Second Opinion, Without the Hype
- The Evidence on Leaving Hospital, Without the Hype
When to get help
Do not wait for a hospital appointment if symptoms worsen sharply — new or increasing pain, bleeding, weight loss, or anything that frightens you. Contact your GP or 111, and 999 for an emergency.
Where this comes from
- NHS — Guide to NHS waiting times in England
- NHS England — Referral to treatment consultant-led waiting times
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
