- Address
- Folkestone, CT19 5BN
- Run by
- East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
- Type
- Community hospital
- Region
- South East, England
Check waiting times ↓ Map and reviews → Phone and opening details →
Waiting times at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
55% waiting under 18 weeks. 83,107 people on the list.
65% under 18 weeks. The NHS constitution standard is 92% within 18 weeks.
| Specialty | Typical wait | Under 18 weeks | People waiting | England average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ear, nose and throat (ENT) | 20 weeks | 45% | 9,430 | 15 weeks longer |
| General surgery | 15 weeks | 56% | 8,211 | 13 weeks longer |
| Orthopaedics (bones and joints) | 21 weeks | 44% | 8,093 | 14 weeks longer |
| Gynaecology | 15 weeks | 56% | 6,784 | 14 weeks longer |
| Dermatology | 9 weeks | 75% | 5,994 | 10 weeks shorter |
| Ophthalmology (eyes) | 13 weeks | 61% | 5,434 | 10 weeks longer |
| Cardiology | 18 weeks | 51% | 5,316 | 12 weeks longer |
| Gastroenterology | 13 weeks | 63% | 5,289 | 11 weeks longer |
| Respiratory medicine | 19 weeks | 47% | 4,874 | 10 weeks longer |
| Urology | 10 weeks | 72% | 4,530 | 12 weeks shorter |
| Oral surgery | 26 weeks | 34% | 4,374 | 16 weeks longer |
| Rheumatology | 22 weeks | 43% | 2,911 | 10 weeks longer |
| Neurology | 11 weeks | 73% | 1,661 | 13 weeks shorter |
| Elderly medicine | 8 weeks | 86% | 376 | 7 weeks |
| General medicine | 12 weeks | 72% | 25 | 10 weeks longer |
"Typical wait" is the median time people currently on the waiting list have waited so far, from referral, for consultant-led treatment. Figures cover the whole of East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, not just this hospital. Source: NHS England Referral to Treatment (RTT) waiting times, July 2026.
Nearest private hospitals
| Private hospital | Group | CQC rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaucer Hospital | Circle Health Group Limited | Good | 10 miles |
| One Ashford Hospital | One Healthcare | Good | 13 miles |
| Benenden Hospital | Benenden Hospital Trust | Outstanding | 27 miles |
| Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham | Practice Plus Group Hospitals Limited | Good | 31 miles |
| Spire Alexandra Hospital | Spire Healthcare Limited | Good | 33 miles |
Straight-line distances from the centre of this hospital's postcode district.
What it costs to go private
| Treatment | Typical self-pay price | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult tonsillectomy | £2,500–£4,500 | Price guide → |
| Inguinal hernia repair | £3,000–£5,500 | Price guide → |
| Gallbladder removal | £6,500–£10,500 | 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 → |
UK-wide ranges from prices published by private hospitals. Ask any hospital above for a written quote.
Other NHS hospitals nearby
- William Harvey Hospital, Ashford (13 miles)
- Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury (14 miles)
- Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, Margate (22 miles)
Questions and answers
How long are NHS waiting times at Royal Victoria Hospital?
At East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Royal Victoria Hospital, the typical (median) wait so far for people on the waiting list was 16 weeks across all specialties in July 2026, and 55% had waited under 18 weeks. Ear, nose and throat (ENT) had the most people waiting (9,430). These figures cover the whole of East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, so waits at this particular hospital may differ. See waiting times by specialty →
Can I choose to be treated at Royal Victoria Hospital?
In England you usually have a legal right to choose which hospital you're referred to for your first outpatient appointment with a consultant, if you need non-urgent treatment. Ask your GP to refer you, or use the NHS App to compare options.
Where is the nearest private hospital to Royal Victoria Hospital?
The nearest private hospital we list is Chaucer Hospital, about 10 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 England's NHS organisation data. Check with the hospital before you travel, as services and departments change.