How long is the NHS wait for echocardiogram in the BS postcode area?

Patients living in the BS postcode area (Bristol) are typically referred to University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust or North Bristol NHS Trust. The current median NHS wait for echocardiogram across these 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.

Which NHS trust covers the BS postcode?

BS postcodes are primarily served by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and North Bristol NHS Trust. NHS England publishes waiting time data per trust, not per postcode, so this is the closest accurate breakdown for Bristol 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 echocardiogram cost near Bristol?

Private echocardiogram in the UK typically costs £250–£600, with a typical price around £395. 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 BS?

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 BS 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.

Echocardiogram in the BS postcode area

If you live in the BS postcode area (Bristol), 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 echocardiogram is 13 weeks. Private treatment from £250.

NHS

Faster than the national average

13 weeks

Median wait for BS residents

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

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

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.

How postcode waits work: NHS England publishes wait times per NHS trust, not per postcode. We have mapped BS postcodes to the trusts that most commonly accept Bristol 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 trusts serving BS postcodes

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%

See the full Bristol city breakdown

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

Echocardiogram in Bristol →

Echocardiogram in the BS postcode area

NHS trusts serving BS postcodes

See the full Bristol city breakdown

Other postcode areas in South West England

Other procedures for BS postcodes