How long is the NHS wait for cataract surgery in the SW1A postcode?

Patients living in the SW1A postcode (Westminster (SW1A)) are typically referred to St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust or Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The current median NHS wait for cataract surgery across these trusts is approximately 17 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 46 weeks. NHS England publishes wait times at the trust level, not the outcode level — so this is the closest accurate breakdown for SW1A residents.

Which NHS trust serves SW1A residents?

SW1A (Westminster (SW1A)) is part of the SW postcode area, which is primarily served by St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Under NHS Patient Choice rules you can also ask your GP to refer you to a different trust with a shorter wait — this is your legal right.

How much does private cataract surgery cost near SW1A?

Private cataract surgery in the UK typically costs £1,995–£4,500, with a typical price around £2,700. London has private hospitals from Spire, Nuffield, Circle, or HCA Healthcare offering this procedure with a typical wait of 2–4 weeks. Always confirm the exact total cost (including consultation, surgery, anaesthesia, follow-ups) before booking.

Can I be referred to an NHS trust outside SW1A?

Yes. Under NHS Patient Choice rules you can ask your GP to refer you to any NHS trust in England — not just the one closest to your home. If a trust elsewhere has a shorter waiting list, you can request a referral there. Travel costs for treatment further from home are your own responsibility.

Cataract surgery in SW1A (Westminster (SW1A))

If you live in the SW1A postcode (Westminster (SW1A)), your GP will most likely refer you to St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust or Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The current median NHS wait for cataract surgery is 17 weeks. Private treatment from £1,995.

NHS

Around the national average

17 weeks

Median wait for SW1A residents

92nd percentile wait:: 46 weeks
Patients waiting:: 2,469
Seen within 18 weeks:: 645%

Free at the point of use. Aggregated from 2 NHS trusts serving the SW area.

Private

Days, not weeks

£2,700

Typical UK private price

Lowest published:: £1,995
Highest published:: £4,500
Typical wait:: 2–4 weeks

Self-fund or use health insurance. Major UK groups: Spire, Nuffield, Circle, HCA.

How outcode waits work: NHS England publishes wait times per NHS trust, not per outcode. SW1A sits inside the wider SW postcode area, and patients are typically referred to St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust or Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Under NHS Patient Choice you can ask to be referred to any trust in England — not just the local one.