Which UK ICBs have the worst NHS waits — and where PMI delivers the biggest benefit. Full 2026 heatmap of all 42 English ICBs, plus Scotland, Wales, NI.
The 2026 NHS waiting-list heatmap — where PMI matters most
NHS RTT waits vary from 12.4 weeks (Somerset) to 22.1 weeks (Kent & Medway). Where you live determines PMI's value.
The short answer
- NHS median wait varies 2.1× across English ICBs
- Worst: Kent & Medway 22.1 wks. Best: Somerset 12.4 wks
- Northern Ireland worst overall — 78.2 wks at 92nd centile
- PMI ROI highest in high-wait ICBs (London, Kent, NI)
Why ICB-level data matters for PMI decisions
National headline NHS statistics mask enormous local variation. A 45-year-old in Somerset waits 12.4 weeks median for a hip replacement; the same patient in Kent & Medway waits 22.1 weeks. PMI's speed benefit compounds where the local NHS is under most pressure.
Median NHS RTT wait by ICB, top-5 worst — Feb 2026
| ICB | Median wait | 92nd centile | PMI value ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent & Medway | 22.1 wks | 72.4 wks | Very high |
| NW London | 19.8 wks | 68.9 wks | Very high |
| Mid & South Essex | 18.7 wks | 66.1 wks | High |
| Suffolk & NE Essex | 18.2 wks | 64.8 wks | High |
| South East London | 17.9 wks | 63.4 wks | High |
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