The 18-week right (England)
Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England have the right to start treatment within 18 weeks of a GP referral for non-urgent elective care. The clock starts on the date the referral is received by the hospital.
Your right to choose a provider
When your GP refers you for elective care, you have the right under NHS Choice to choose which hospital or clinic treats you. If your current Trust cannot see you within 18 weeks, you can ask to be transferred to an alternative provider. Your GP or PALS can facilitate this.
Two-week wait (urgent cancer referral)
If your GP has made an urgent suspected cancer referral, you have the right to be seen by a specialist within two weeks. The hospital should contact you within a few days. If you have not been contacted within one week, call the hospital directly.
Nation-specific rights
Scotland — 18-week Treatment Time Guarantee. Contact your NHS Board's Patient Relations team if breached.
Wales — 26-week RTT standard. Contact your Local Health Board's Putting Things Right team.
Northern Ireland — 52-week target. Contact the Patient and Client Council.
If you have received a waiting list letter and want to understand where you stand, read our guide on what your NHS waiting list letter means. If you need to take action, read our guide on how to chase your NHS referral.