How long is the NHS wait for echocardiogram in Manchester?

The current median NHS wait for echocardiogram in Manchester (across 2 NHS trusts) is approximately 16 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 40 weeks. There are 14,196 patients currently waiting on the Cardiology pathway across these trusts.

Where can I get echocardiogram privately in Manchester?

Manchester 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 Manchester NHS trust has the shortest wait?

Across the 2 Manchester NHS trusts in our dataset, the shortest median cardiology wait is at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (15 weeks). The full breakdown is shown in the table below.

Can I be referred to an NHS trust outside Manchester 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 Manchester: NHS wait vs private cost

The NHS waiting list for echocardiogram in Manchester has a median wait of 16 weeks across 2 NHS trusts serving the area. Private treatment typically costs £395, ranging from £250 to £600.

NHS

Around the national average

16 weeks

Median wait in Manchester

92nd percentile wait:: 40 weeks
Patients waiting:: 14,196
Seen within 18 weeks:: 4031%

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 Manchester

NHS Trust	Median wait	92nd %ile	Patients waiting	< 18 wks
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust R0A	15 wk	40 wk	8,806	5036%
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust RM3	16 wk	35 wk	5,390	3026%

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See Echocardiogram waits across all UK cities →