How long is the NHS wait for shoulder arthroscopy in the N1 postcode?

Patients living in the N1 postcode (Islington (N1)) are typically referred to Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. The current median NHS wait for shoulder arthroscopy across these trust is approximately 20 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 46 weeks. NHS England publishes wait times at the trust level, not the outcode level — so this is the closest accurate breakdown for N1 residents.

Which NHS trust serves N1 residents?

N1 (Islington (N1)) is part of the N postcode area, which is primarily served by Royal Free London NHS Foundation 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 shoulder arthroscopy cost near N1?

Private shoulder arthroscopy in the UK typically costs £5,500–£9,500, with a typical price around £7,200. London 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 N1?

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.

Shoulder arthroscopy in N1 (Islington (N1))

If you live in the N1 postcode (Islington (N1)), your GP will most likely refer you to Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. The current median NHS wait for shoulder arthroscopy is 20 weeks. Private treatment from £5,500.

NHS

Around the national average

20 weeks

Median wait for N1 residents

92nd percentile wait:: 46 weeks
Patients waiting:: 11,182
Seen within 18 weeks:: 5140%

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

Private

Days, not weeks

£7,200

Typical UK private price

Lowest published:: £5,500
Highest published:: £9,500
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. N1 sits inside the wider N postcode area, and patients are typically referred to Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. Under NHS Patient Choice you can ask to be referred to any trust in England — not just the local one.