NHS Waiting Times: How Private Healthcare
Can Help You Get Seen Faster
With over 7.6 million people on NHS waiting lists, private healthcare is no longer a luxury — for many, it is the only way to get a timely diagnosis.
In brief: As of 2024, approximately 7.6 million people in England are waiting for NHS consultant-led treatment.[1] At Victoria Medical, same-day GP appointments, next-day specialist consultations, and same-day blood tests and scans are available — without a referral or a waiting list.
NHS vs Private: Waiting Times by Specialty
| Specialty / Service | NHS Wait | Private (Victoria Medical) |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiology | Up to 18 weeks (often longer) | Same day to 1 week |
| Gynaecology | Up to 18 weeks | Same day to 1 week |
| GP appointment | Average 2–4 weeks for routine | Same day |
| Blood tests | 1–2 weeks for results | 24 hours |
| Ultrasound scan | 4–12 weeks | Same day |
| ECG | Varies — often via GP referral | Same day |
| Health check | NHS Health Check: every 5 years (40–74 only) | Same day, any age |
From Our Practice — Dr George Xynopoulos
"I work in both NHS and private medicine, and I understand the pressures on both systems. The NHS provides extraordinary care, but the current waiting times are genuinely harmful — patients with symptoms that need investigation are waiting months for a GP appointment, let alone a specialist. At Victoria Medical, we can see patients the same day, run blood tests with results by the next morning, and perform an echocardiogram in the same appointment as a cardiology consultation. For patients who can access private care, the difference in speed and experience is significant."
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the current NHS waiting list?
As of 2024, approximately 7.6 million people in England are waiting for NHS consultant-led treatment. Approximately 1.5 million patients are waiting more than 18 weeks — the NHS target. For some specialties, waits of 6–12 months are not uncommon.
Can I use private healthcare and still access the NHS?
Yes. Using private healthcare does not affect your NHS entitlements. You can see a private specialist and still use NHS services for ongoing treatment, prescriptions, and emergency care. Many patients use private healthcare for faster diagnosis and then return to NHS care for treatment.
Is private healthcare covered by health insurance?
Many private health insurance policies cover specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and some procedures. Check your policy for details. At Victoria Medical, we can provide a detailed invoice for insurance claims. We also accept self-pay patients.
Do I need a GP referral to see a private specialist?
No. At Victoria Medical you can self-refer for any service without a GP referral. However, a referral letter from your GP can be helpful as it provides clinical context and may be required by some insurers.
How much does a private GP appointment cost in London?
Private GP consultations in London typically range from £100 to £250. At Victoria Medical, our fees are transparent and available on our pricing page. Same-day appointments are usually available.
References
- [1]NHS England. Consultant-led Referral to Treatment Waiting Times Data. NHS England. 2024. https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/rtt-waiting-times/
- [2]Veerappan S, Veerappan S, Veerappan S, et al. Physician perspectives on NHS vs private healthcare choice. Cureus. 2025;17(1):e73456. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.73456
- [3]LaingBuisson. Private Healthcare Market Report 2024. LaingBuisson. 2024. https://www.laingbuisson.com/press-releases/private-healthcare-market-valued-at-record-12-4bn/
- [4]Elmore N, Burt J, Abel G, et al. Investigating the relationship between consultation length and patient experience. Br J Gen Pract. 2016;66(652):e896–e903. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp16X687733
- [5]Jeffers H, Baker M. Continuity of care: still important in modern-day general practice. Br J Gen Pract. 2016;66(649):396–397. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp16X685597
- [6]NHS Digital. Appointments in General Practice. NHS Digital. 2023. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/appointments-in-general-practice
Dr George Xynopoulos
Consultant Physician & Cardiologist | GMC Registered | MRCP (UK)
Dr Xynopoulos is a Consultant Physician and Cardiologist at Victoria Medical, 170 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London.
View full profile →Book Today — No Waiting List
Same-day GP, specialist, scans and blood tests at Victoria Medical. No referral needed.
020 3146 9508