NHS Waiting Times in 2025: How Long Will You Wait?
NHS waiting times in 2025 are longer than ever, with delays for GP appointments, diagnostic scans, and surgeries. Find out how long you might wait and explore private healthcare alternatives for faster treatment.

The Reality of NHS Waiting Lists
The NHS backlog continues to grow, with waiting times for specialist consultations and surgeries extending beyond a year in some cases. If you're struggling with long NHS delays, exploring private healthcare options may provide a faster solution.
Current NHS Waiting Time Statistics
- Routine GP Appointments: 2-4 weeks
- Diagnostic Scans (MRI, CT, X-ray): 3-6 months
- Specialist Referrals: 6-18 months
- Elective Surgeries (Hip, Knee, Cataract): 12-24 months
How to Access Faster Treatment
✅ Consider private healthcare for faster diagnostics and specialist access
✅ Compare self-pay vs insurance options for cost-effective treatment
✅ Use platforms like Santus to find private consultants in Leeds, Harrogate, and Sheffield
Why More Patients Are Choosing Private Healthcare
Many patients are now opting for private treatment due to excessive NHS wait times. Private healthcare offers:
Faster access to specialists, tests, and surgeries
Personalized care with extended consultation times
Greater choice of consultants and hospitals
Cost of Private Treatment vs NHS Delays
Service NHS Waiting Time Private Treatment Cost (£)
MRI Scan 3-6 months £300 - 600
Hip/Knee Replacement 12-24 months £10,000 - 15,000
Cataract Surgery 6-12 months £2,500 - 4,000
Specialist Consultation 6-18 months £150 - 300
📌 Avoid NHS delays – book a private consultation today with Santus! 🚀