- Address
- Wick, KW1 5NS
- Run by
- NHS Highland
- Type
- Major/district general hospital
- Region
- NHS Highland, Scotland
Check waiting times ↓ A&E waits ↓ Map and reviews → Phone and opening details →
Waiting times at NHS Highland
47% waiting under 12 weeks. 23,287 people on the list.
48% under 12 weeks. Scotland's standard is that new outpatients should wait no longer than 12 weeks.
| Specialty | Typical wait | Under 12 weeks | People waiting | Scotland average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orthopaedics (bones and joints) | 13 weeks | 47% | 3,197 | 14 weeks |
| Ear, nose and throat (ENT) | 19 weeks | 36% | 2,554 | 12 weeks longer |
| Dermatology | 12 weeks | 49% | 2,477 | 14 weeks shorter |
| General Surgery | 11 weeks | 52% | 2,451 | 12 weeks |
| Gynaecology | 18 weeks | 38% | 2,408 | 14 weeks longer |
| Gastroenterology | 27 weeks | 24% | 1,680 | 14 weeks longer |
| Ophthalmology (eyes) | 7 weeks | 69% | 1,566 | 15 weeks shorter |
| Oral Surgery | 18 weeks | 37% | 1,347 | 16 weeks longer |
| Rheumatology | 23 weeks | 31% | 810 | 14 weeks longer |
| Urology | 7 weeks | 66% | 687 | 14 weeks shorter |
People waiting for inpatient or day-case treatment at NHS Highland had waited a typical 11 weeks so far (52% under 12 weeks).
"Typical wait" is the median time people currently on the waiting list have waited so far for a first outpatient appointment. Figures cover the whole of NHS Highland, not just this hospital. Source: Public Health Scotland, stage of treatment waiting times (new outpatients), August 2026.
A&E waiting times
At this hospital's A&E, August 2026 (986 attendances).
The NHS standard is 95% within 4 hours.
Share of patients who spent less than 4 hours in A&E from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge. Source: Public Health Scotland, monthly A&E activity and waiting times. In an emergency, call 999.
What it costs to go private
| Treatment | Typical self-pay price | |
|---|---|---|
| Hip replacement | £13,000–£19,000 | Price guide → |
| Knee replacement | £13,500–£20,000 | Price guide → |
| Knee arthroscopy | £3,500–£6,500 | Price guide → |
| Carpal tunnel release | £1,800–£3,300 per hand | Price guide → |
| Adult tonsillectomy | £2,500–£4,500 | Price guide → |
| Inguinal hernia repair | £3,000–£5,500 | Price guide → |
UK-wide ranges from prices published by private hospitals. Ask any hospital above for a written quote.
Questions and answers
How long are NHS waiting times at Caithness General Hospital?
At NHS Highland, which runs Caithness General Hospital, the typical (median) wait so far for people on the waiting list was 13 weeks across all specialties in August 2026, and 47% had waited under 12 weeks. Orthopaedics (bones and joints) had the most people waiting (3,197). These figures cover the whole of NHS Highland, so waits at this particular hospital may differ. See waiting times by specialty →
How long is the A&E wait at Caithness General Hospital?
In August 2026, 73% of patients at this hospital spent less than 4 hours in A&E, against an NHS standard of 95%. If it's not an emergency, NHS 111 can tell you where to go. See A&E waiting times →
Can I pay to go private instead of waiting?
Yes. You can pay for a private consultation or treatment yourself, or use health insurance if you have it and the condition started after your cover began. You can usually go back to the NHS waiting list afterwards if you want to. Our price guides show typical self-pay costs.
Hospital details come from Scotland's NHS organisation data. Check with the hospital before you travel, as services and departments change.