Septoplasty waiting times on the NHS
The NHS waiting list for septoplasty is counted under ear, nose and throat: in August 2026, 9 in 10 people on it at a typical hospital had waited less than 38 weeks (NHS England). The figures below are for ENT as a whole at each hospital, not for nose surgery alone.
Shortest waits for ear, nose and throat, August 2026
- The Living Care Group 2 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Rsa (Athena Surgical Centre) 10 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Spire Cheshire Hospital 12 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Spire Harpenden Hospital 12 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 13 weeks most people See this hospital
- Beacon Medical Services Group Limited 15 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Clementine Churchill Hospital 15 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Spire Bushey Hospital 15 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
Every hospital in England, or pick your area: Enfield Manchester Birmingham Leeds Newcastle upon Tyne Sheffield Liverpool
Latest monthly: NHS England, . Data checked .
What the wait includes
The wait covers the ENT appointment, any scans and the wait for surgery, which is often a day case. Surgery to change the shape of the nose for cosmetic reasons is not usually available on the NHS, so it is not on this list.
How to be treated sooner
Some independent hospitals carry out septoplasty for the NHS. ENT waits vary a lot between hospitals, so compare the list for your area before you accept a long local wait.
Questions people ask
How long is the NHS waiting list for septoplasty?
Waits are published for ear, nose and throat as a whole, not septoplasty alone. In August 2026, at a typical hospital most people on the waiting list had waited less than 38 weeks; the shortest was The Living Care Group, 2 weeks.
Is septoplasty the same as a nose job?
No. Septoplasty straightens the wall inside the nose to help breathing. Changing the nose's shape for cosmetic reasons is not usually available on the NHS.
Is turbinate surgery counted with septoplasty?
Yes. Turbinate reduction, often done in the same operation, is counted under ENT like septoplasty.