How long is the NHS wait for colonoscopy in the RG postcode area?

Patients living in the RG postcode area (Reading) are typically referred to Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. The current median NHS wait for colonoscopy across these trust is approximately 11 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 24 weeks. There are 3,964 patients currently waiting on the Gastroenterology pathway across these trusts.

Which NHS trust covers the RG postcode?

RG postcodes are primarily served by Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. NHS England publishes waiting time data per trust, not per postcode, so this is the closest accurate breakdown for Reading residents. 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 Reading?

Private colonoscopy in the UK typically costs £1,300–£2,800, with a typical price around £1,850. Most major UK cities have 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.

Will going private affect my NHS care if I live in RG?

No. You can self-fund private treatment without losing your place on the NHS waiting list and without affecting your future NHS care. Many patients use private providers to access faster surgery while keeping the NHS option as a free backup.

Can I be referred to an NHS trust outside the RG area?

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 the RG postcode area

If you live in the RG postcode area (Reading), your GP will most likely refer you to Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. The current median NHS wait for colonoscopy is 11 weeks. Private treatment from £1,300.

NHS

Faster than the national average

11 weeks

Median wait for RG residents

92nd percentile wait:: 24 weeks
Patients waiting:: 3,964
Seen within 18 weeks:: 3326%

Free at the point of use. Aggregated from 1 NHS trust.

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 postcode waits work: NHS England publishes wait times per NHS trust, not per postcode. We have mapped RG postcodes to the trust that most commonly accept Reading residents. Your actual wait depends on which trust your GP refers you to — and under NHS Patient Choice you can ask to be referred to any trust in England, not just the local one.

NHS trust serving RG postcodes

NHS Trust	Median wait	92nd %ile	Patients waiting	< 18 wks
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust RHW	11 wk	24 wk	3,964	3326%

See the full Reading city breakdown

Treatcompare also publishes a per-city version of this comparison with full NHS trust details and city-wide aggregates.

Colonoscopy in Reading →

Colonoscopy in the RG postcode area

NHS trust serving RG postcodes

See the full Reading city breakdown

Other postcode areas in South East England

Other procedures for RG postcodes