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Will I always receive my treatment and care within 18 weeks?

By December 2008, most patients who need non-emergency treatment provided by a consultant or their team, will start treatment within 18 weeks from being referred by their GP. Where possible patients will be treated more quickly.

However, there may be times when you cannot begin treatment within 18 weeks, such as:

When you choose a later appointment for your treatment, perhaps because of work commitments or a holiday
When you are not medically fit to be treated, for example if you are too overweight for surgery to be carried out safely
When your condition requires an extended period of testing and observation before a diagnosis can be made. This will only apply to a very small number of patients.

You can be reassured that if you need treatment for urgent conditions like cancer and heart disease you will be seen and receive treatment more quickly.

Help us treat you without delay

You can help us to ensure you get treated quickly. Here’s how:

Talk to your GP about your treatment so that you understand what to expect, and when.
Keep the appointments you have chosen, or let the hospital or clinic know as early as possible if you cannot attend or need to rearrange your appointment.
Be prepared to consider hospitals other than your local one if a shorter wait is available elsewhere.
Think about how you might improve your lifestyle, for example stopping smoking or losing weight, so that you will be fit for treatment.