- Address
- Lerwick, ZE1 0TB
- Run by
- NHS Shetland
- Type
- Major/district general hospital
- Region
- NHS Shetland, Scotland
Check waiting times ↓ A&E waits ↓ Map and reviews → Phone and opening details →
Waiting times at NHS Shetland
61% waiting under 12 weeks. 1,448 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Surgery | 9 weeks | 61% | 339 | 12 weeks shorter |
| Ophthalmology (eyes) | 14 weeks | 44% | 188 | 15 weeks |
| Dermatology | 12 weeks | 49% | 166 | 14 weeks shorter |
| Gynaecology | 11 weeks | 52% | 159 | 14 weeks shorter |
| General Medicine | 6 weeks | 83% | 139 | 11 weeks shorter |
| Paediatrics | 13 weeks | 49% | 135 | 10 weeks longer |
People waiting for inpatient or day-case treatment at NHS Shetland had waited a typical 18 weeks so far (36% 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 Shetland, 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 (795 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Inguinal hernia repair | £3,000–£5,500 | Price guide → |
| Gallbladder removal | £6,500–£10,500 | Price guide → |
| Cataract surgery | £2,000–£4,000 per eye | Price guide → |
| MRI scan | £250–£700 per body part | Price guide → |
| Private consultant appointment | £150–£300 | 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 Gilbert Bain Hospital?
At NHS Shetland, which runs Gilbert Bain Hospital, the typical (median) wait so far for people on the waiting list was 9 weeks across all specialties in August 2026, and 61% had waited under 12 weeks. General Surgery had the most people waiting (339). These figures cover the whole of NHS Shetland, so waits at this particular hospital may differ. See waiting times by specialty →
How long is the A&E wait at Gilbert Bain Hospital?
In August 2026, 82% 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.