Ultrasound waiting times in England

Ultrasound waiting times refer to how long people typically wait for an NHS ultrasound scan after being referred for diagnostic imaging. Waiting times vary across England and depend on local NHS capacity, referral urgency, and demand for diagnostic services.

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

What is an ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan is a diagnostic imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures inside the body. Ultrasound is commonly used to examine organs, soft tissues, blood vessels, and during pregnancy to monitor fetal development.

Ultrasound scans are provided through NHS hospitals, diagnostic centres and some GP practices. Access to an ultrasound scan usually requires a referral from a GP, midwife, hospital consultant or another qualified healthcare professional.

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

How NHS ultrasound referral pathways work

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

In general, the process includes:

• Referral for an ultrasound scan by a healthcare professional
• Scheduling of the scan based on clinical priority
• Imaging carried out at an NHS hospital, diagnostic centre or community facility

Ultrasound referrals may be classified by urgency, which can affect waiting times. Services are commissioned locally by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), meaning availability and capacity differ across regions.

Typical NHS ultrasound waiting times

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

In many areas:

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

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

Why ultrasound waiting times vary by area

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

• Availability of ultrasound equipment and trained sonographers
• Local demand for diagnostic imaging
• Differences in commissioning arrangements
• Pressures on hospital diagnostic services

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

Ultrasound waiting times by town and area

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

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

Browse ultrasound waiting times by county and town

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

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