- Address
- Edinburgh, EH16 4SA
- Run by
- NHS Lothian
- Type
- Major/district general hospital
- Region
- NHS Lothian, Scotland
Check waiting times ↓ A&E waits ↓ Map and reviews → Phone and opening details →
Waiting times at NHS Lothian
49% waiting under 12 weeks. 79,598 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmology (eyes) | 14 weeks | 45% | 12,858 | 15 weeks |
| Gynaecology | 19 weeks | 37% | 10,421 | 14 weeks longer |
| Dermatology | 12 weeks | 50% | 8,647 | 14 weeks shorter |
| Orthopaedics (bones and joints) | 14 weeks | 46% | 7,824 | 14 weeks |
| General surgery | 14 weeks | 46% | 6,321 | 12 weeks longer |
| Ear, nose and throat (ENT) | 11 weeks | 54% | 4,822 | 12 weeks shorter |
| Rheumatology | 17 weeks | 35% | 3,218 | 14 weeks longer |
| Plastic Surgery | 13 weeks | 47% | 2,930 | 11 weeks longer |
| Gastroenterology | 7 weeks | 70% | 2,633 | 14 weeks shorter |
| Paediatrics | 12 weeks | 51% | 2,553 | 10 weeks longer |
People waiting for inpatient or day-case treatment at NHS Lothian had waited a typical 16 weeks so far (40% 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 Lothian, 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 (12,387 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.
Nearest private hospitals
| Private hospital | Group | CQC rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuffield Health Edinburgh Hospital | Nuffield Health | — | 2.2 miles |
| Shawfair Park Hospital | Spire Healthcare Ltd | — | 4.5 miles |
| Spire Shawfair Park Hospital | Spire Healthcare | — | 4.5 miles |
| Waterfront Private Hospital | Waterfront Private Hospital Ltd | — | 4.5 miles |
| Spire Murrayfield Hospital | Spire Healthcare Ltd | — | 5.0 miles |
Straight-line distances from the centre of this hospital's postcode district.
What it costs to go private
| Treatment | Typical self-pay price | |
|---|---|---|
| Cataract surgery | £2,000–£4,000 per eye | Price guide → |
| 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 → |
| 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.
Other NHS hospitals nearby
- Western General Hospital, Edinburgh (5 miles)
- Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy (14 miles)
- St John's Hospital, Livingston (14 miles)
- Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline (17 miles)
- Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert (27 miles)
Questions and answers
How long are NHS waiting times at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh?
At NHS Lothian, which runs Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the typical (median) wait so far for people on the waiting list was 12 weeks across all specialties in August 2026, and 49% had waited under 12 weeks. Ophthalmology (eyes) had the most people waiting (12,858). These figures cover the whole of NHS Lothian, so waits at this particular hospital may differ. See waiting times by specialty →
How long is the A&E wait at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh?
In August 2026, 49% 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 →
Where is the nearest private hospital to Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh?
The nearest private hospital we list is Nuffield Health Edinburgh Hospital, about 2 miles away by straight-line distance. There are 5 private hospitals within 40 miles on this page. See the nearest private hospitals →
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.