Endoscopy waiting times in England

Endoscopy waiting times refer to how long people typically wait for an NHS endoscopy procedure after being referred for diagnostic investigation. Waiting times vary across England and depend on local NHS capacity, referral urgency, and demand for endoscopy services.

This page provides independent, factual information about NHS endoscopy waiting times in England. It explains how endoscopy referral pathways work, typical waiting time ranges, and why waiting times differ depending on where people live.

What is an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) to examine the inside of the body. Endoscopy is commonly used to investigate symptoms affecting the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, bowel and other internal organs.

Endoscopy procedures are provided through NHS hospitals and specialist endoscopy units. Access to an endoscopy usually requires a referral from a GP, hospital consultant or another qualified healthcare professional.

This website does not provide medical advice or diagnostic guidance. If you have questions about an endoscopy, you should speak to a qualified healthcare professional.

How NHS endoscopy referral pathways work

In England, NHS endoscopy services are delivered by hospitals commissioned locally. Referral routes and access arrangements can vary between areas.

In general, the process includes:

• Referral for an endoscopy by a healthcare professional
• Pre-assessment and scheduling based on clinical priority
• Procedure carried out at an NHS hospital or specialist endoscopy unit

Endoscopy referrals may be classified by urgency, which can affect waiting times. Urgent referrals, including those on suspected cancer pathways, are prioritised. Services are commissioned locally by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), meaning availability and capacity differ across regions.

Typical NHS endoscopy waiting times

Published NHS diagnostics data indicates that endoscopy waiting times in England vary by area and by clinical urgency.

In many areas:

• Routine endoscopy waiting times range from several weeks to a few months
• Urgent endoscopies are prioritised and may be carried out more quickly

Waiting times can fluctuate due to equipment availability, staffing levels, and overall demand for endoscopy services. Actual waiting times for individuals may vary depending on clinical need and local circumstances.

Why endoscopy waiting times vary by area

Endoscopy waiting times differ across England for several reasons, including:

• Availability of endoscopy suites and trained staff
• Local demand for endoscopy procedures
• Differences in commissioning arrangements
• Pressures on hospital diagnostic services

Because endoscopy services are organised locally, waiting times can vary significantly between towns, regions and NHS trusts.

Endoscopy waiting times by town and area

Endoscopy waiting times are not the same everywhere. Local NHS hospitals may have different waiting lists depending on capacity and demand.

This website provides town-specific pages showing estimated endoscopy waiting times based on published NHS data, helping users understand how waiting times vary across England.

Browse endoscopy waiting times by county and town

Select a county to view available towns. Town pages include published diagnostics data and service guidance.

View all towns and areas →