Find a Faster Trust
See real NHS waiting times near you and find trusts that could see you sooner.
How many weeks could you save?
Enter your postcode and treatment. We will find the nearest NHS hospitals with shorter waits and show how much sooner you could be seen.
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My Rights
Your personalised rights based on your situation, and whether your wait breaches NHS standards.
Personalise your rights
Tell us your situation and we will explain which NHS Constitution rights may apply, whether your wait breaks the legal standard, and generate letters for you. Optional, and never stored.
Your situation in 30 seconds
Fill in your details. We'll build a personalised rights profile, action plan, and pre-written letters.
YOUR NHS RIGHTS PROFILE
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NHS Standards Check
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Weeks Waited
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of 18-week target
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Specialty
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treatment area
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Rights Status
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Exact Wait
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from referral date
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NHS Constitution
Six rights. Six toon characters. Hover each one.
NHS Constitution · Right 4
Right to Choose Your Hospital
Request any NHS hospital in England for your first outpatient appointment. Pick the one with the shortest wait for your condition.
NHS Constitution · Right 5
18-Week Treatment Standard
Legal right to start treatment within 18 weeks of GP referral. If exceeded, you can ask to be referred to a provider with a shorter wait.
NHS Constitution · Right 3
Right to a Second Opinion
Request a second opinion from a different specialist at any time. Your GP cannot outright refuse this request.
NHS Constitution · Right 10
Right to Complain & Escalate
Complain to your trust's PALS team, acknowledged in 3 days. Escalate to the Parliamentary Ombudsman if unresolved.
NHS Constitution · Right 8
Access Your Medical Records
Request your full medical records and ask for corrections. Protected under GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
NHS Constitution · Right 6
NICE-Approved Treatments
NICE-approved drugs must be funded within 90 days of guidance. Trusts cannot refuse on cost grounds alone.
My Plan & Letters
Ready-to-send letters, GP scripts, and a complaint tracker tailored to you.
Action Plan
Exactly what to do, in order.
Fill in your details above to see your personalised action plan.
Letter Generator
AI writes your formal NHS letter in 10 seconds. Cites exact NHS Constitution clauses.
GP Script
What to say to your GP, word for word.
Calling your GP can be nerve-wracking. Choose your scenario and we'll give you the exact words, including how to respond if they push back.
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Request transfer to faster hospital
Switch to a trust with shorter waits
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wait exceeds the 18-week standard
Waited over 18 weeks, urgent action
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Request a second opinion
Referral to a different specialist
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Lodge a formal complaint
Start the formal complaints process
Your GP Script, Read This Out
Complaint Tracker
Track your complaint through every stage.
Log Your Complaint
Enter the date you submitted. We calculate where you are and what comes next.
Complaint Progress Timeline
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Pending
Log your complaint above to start tracking
Enter your complaint date and we'll show exactly where you are in the process.
My Switch Journey
Track your request to move to a faster hospital, step by step, with the right action at the right time. Saved privately on this device only.
Insights | The Demand Map
Where NHS waiting pressure sits, which trusts are improving or worsening, and where capacity rebalancing could help. Built from official NHS England data, April 2025 vs April 2026.
Help & FAQ
Clear answers to the questions patients ask most about NHS waiting times and their rights.
Your Rights, Answered
Common questions about NHS waiting times
Clear, plain-English answers to what patients ask most. This is general information about your rights under the NHS Constitution, not medical or legal advice.
I have been waiting more than 18 weeks. What can I do?
The NHS Constitution sets a standard that you should start consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks of being referred. If you have waited longer, you can ask your GP or the hospital to either expedite your referral or refer you to a different NHS provider with shorter waits. You can use the Find a Trust page to see which hospitals are faster, and the My Plan page to generate a letter requesting a transfer. This is a right to ask and be considered, not an absolute guarantee of treatment by a fixed date.
Can I choose which hospital treats me?
In most cases, yes. For a first outpatient appointment as a new patient, you generally have the legal right to choose which NHS organisation provides your care, including hospitals outside your local area. There are some exceptions (for example, urgent or emergency care, maternity services, and certain specialist services). Speak to your GP about exercising this choice when you are referred.
How do I ask to switch to a faster hospital?
Start by talking to your GP, who manages referrals. Explain how long you have waited and that you would like to be referred to a hospital with a shorter wait. You can bring the specific trust you have found on the Find a Trust page. The My Plan page can generate a referral request letter you can take or send to your GP practice. Ask for your request to be recorded in writing.
Can I get a second opinion?
You do not have an absolute legal right to a second opinion, but the NHS will usually try to accommodate a reasonable request. If you are unsure about a diagnosis or treatment plan, you can ask your GP or consultant to refer you to another clinician. Explain your reasons calmly and ask for the request to be noted.
What if my GP or hospital says no?
If you are not getting the help you need, you can contact the hospital's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), who help resolve concerns informally. If that does not work, you can make a formal complaint through the NHS complaints procedure. If you remain unhappy after the NHS has responded, you can ask the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman to review your case. The My Plan page explains these steps in order.
Is the waiting time data on this site accurate?
The figures come from official NHS England Referral to Treatment (RTT) statistics, published monthly under the Open Government Licence. The data reflects a specific past month (shown on the page) and is not real-time, so actual current waits may differ. Always confirm current waiting times directly with the hospital before making decisions. CareRight is independent and not affiliated with the NHS.
Does using CareRight cost anything or affect my NHS care?
CareRight is completely free and does not require an account. Using it has no effect on your NHS care or your place on any waiting list. We are an independent information service, not part of the NHS, and we do not contact the NHS or your GP on your behalf.
I think my situation is urgent. What should I do?
CareRight is for non-urgent waiting-list questions only. If you have a medical emergency, call 999. If you need urgent medical advice or your condition is getting worse, call NHS 111 or contact your GP. Do not use this site as a substitute for medical care.
Can't find your answer? CareRight gives general information only. For advice about your specific situation, speak to your GP, contact your hospital's PALS team, or get free guidance from Citizens Advice.