How long is the NHS wait for echocardiogram in Bristol?

The current median NHS wait for echocardiogram in Bristol (across 2 NHS trusts) is approximately 13 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 41 weeks. There are 6,736 patients currently waiting on the Cardiology pathway across these trusts.

Where can I get echocardiogram privately in Bristol?

Bristol has private hospitals operated by Spire Healthcare, Nuffield Health, Circle Health, and HCA Healthcare among others. Private echocardiogram typically costs £250–£600 in the UK. Most private hospitals offer consultation packages where you can be assessed within days. Ask your GP for a referral letter or self-refer directly.

Will going private affect my NHS care for echocardiogram?

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

Which Bristol NHS trust has the shortest wait?

Across the 2 Bristol NHS trusts in our dataset, the shortest median cardiology wait is at North Bristol NHS Trust (12 weeks). The full breakdown is shown in the table below.

Can I be referred to an NHS trust outside Bristol for a faster wait?

Yes. Under the NHS Patient Choice rules, you have the right to 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 are your own responsibility.

Echocardiogram in Bristol: NHS wait vs private cost

The NHS waiting list for echocardiogram in Bristol has a median wait of 13 weeks across 2 NHS trusts serving the area. Private treatment typically costs £395, ranging from £250 to £600.

NHS

Faster than the national average

13 weeks

Median wait in Bristol

92nd percentile wait:: 41 weeks
Patients waiting:: 6,736
Seen within 18 weeks:: 2138%

Free at the point of use. Specialty-level data covering Cardiology.

Private

Days, not weeks

£395

Typical UK private price

Lowest published:: £250
Highest published:: £600
Typical wait:: 2–4 weeks

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

NHS trusts serving Bristol

NHS Trust	Median wait	92nd %ile	Patients waiting	< 18 wks
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust RA7	14 wk	41 wk	4,675	2932%
North Bristol NHS Trust RVJ	12 wk	35 wk	2,061	1343%

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See Echocardiogram waits across all UK cities →