Guides
Short, plain-English explainers to help you use the data — what the numbers mean, and the choices you have as an NHS patient in England.
Your right to choose which hospital treats you
For most planned NHS care in England you can choose the hospital — including one with shorter waits. How it works and how to ask.
NHS waiting times explained
What 'referral to treatment', the 18-week standard, the median wait and 52-week waits actually mean — and how to read them.
Frequently asked questions
How current the data is, what 'trust-wide' means, whether this is an official NHS site, and more.
How to choose a hospital
There's no single 'best' hospital — how to weigh waiting times, ratings, safety and location for your situation.