How long is the NHS wait for colonoscopy in the BS1 postcode?

Patients living in the BS1 postcode (Bristol city centre (BS1)) are typically referred to University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust or North Bristol NHS Trust. The current median NHS wait for colonoscopy across these trusts is approximately 13 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 41 weeks. NHS England publishes wait times at the trust level, not the outcode level — so this is the closest accurate breakdown for BS1 residents.

Which NHS trust serves BS1 residents?

BS1 (Bristol city centre (BS1)) is part of the BS postcode area, which is primarily served by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and North Bristol NHS 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 colonoscopy cost near BS1?

Private colonoscopy in the UK typically costs £1,300–£2,800, with a typical price around £1,850. Bristol 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 BS1?

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.

Colonoscopy in BS1 (Bristol city centre (BS1))

If you live in the BS1 postcode (Bristol city centre (BS1)), your GP will most likely refer you to University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust or North Bristol NHS Trust. The current median NHS wait for colonoscopy is 13 weeks. Private treatment from £1,300.

NHS

Faster than the national average

13 weeks

Median wait for BS1 residents

92nd percentile wait:: 41 weeks
Patients waiting:: 2,210
Seen within 18 weeks:: 716%

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

Private

Days, not weeks

£1,850

Typical UK private price

Lowest published:: £1,300
Highest published:: £2,800
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. BS1 sits inside the wider BS postcode area, and patients are typically referred to University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust or North Bristol NHS Trust. Under NHS Patient Choice you can ask to be referred to any trust in England — not just the local one.