The NHS Constitution gives you the right to start your non-emergency treatment within a maximum of 18 weeks
As long as you choose it and it is appropriate for you, you have the right to start your non-emergency treatment within a maximum of 18 weeks from when you were referred by your GP, or to ask the NHS to take all reasonable steps to offer you a range of alternatives if this is not possible.
In fact, most patients can expect to start treatment much sooner.
Your rights around waiting times and everything else about your NHS care are set out in the NHS Constitution, which brings together in one place what we can all expect from the NHS and what is expected from us in return.
Please read the attached letter for further information.
NHS Constitution Letter (DOCX, 54KB)