Waiting times

NHS Norfolk is continually working to make sure that if your GP feels you need to be seen for consultant-led NHS treatment, you will be able to do this as soon as possible and at a time that is best for you.

The longest you should wait after being referred by your GP until the start of your treatment is 18 weeks, unless you choose to wait longer or there is a medical reason why treatment should be delayed. Wherever possible, the wait for treatment will be less than this.

The new waiting times right has been added to the NHS Constitution. This will mean that, from 1 April 2010, patients will have the legal right to start treatment by a consultant within 18 weeks of GP referral and to be seen by a specialist within 2 weeks of an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer. If this doesn’t happen, the NHS will be legally obliged to take all reasonable steps to offer a range of alternative providers.

A Guide to waiting times and an NHS waiting times Q&A can be found on the NHS Choices website.