Diagnostic test · NHS England, July 2026
Barium enema NHS waiting times
A barium enema is an X-ray test of the large bowel after it is filled with a contrast liquid. In July 2026, 4,986 people were waiting for one in England and 25.2% had waited 6 weeks or more.
People waiting
4,986
▼ −88 vs previous month
Waiting 6+ weeks
25.2%
▲ +0.4pp vs previous month
Standard: under 1%
Median wait so far
2.8 weeks
Tests done in the month
5,424
Shortest barium enema waits
Providers with at least 200 people waiting, sorted by share waiting 6+ weeks (July 2026).
| Hospital / provider | 6+ weeks | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester UniversityNorth West | 0.0% | 2.3 weeks |
| King's College HospitalLondon | 45.2% | 5.5 weeks |
| Barts HealthLondon | 51.2% | 6.4 weeks |
| London North West University HealthcareLondon | 57.9% | 8.0 weeks |
| East Kent Hospitals UniversitySouth East | 84.4% | 13.3 weeks |
Longest barium enema waits
- East Kent Hospitals University84.4% 6+ wks
- London North West University Healthcare57.9% 6+ wks
- Barts Health51.2% 6+ wks
- King's College Hospital45.2% 6+ wks
- Manchester University0.0% 6+ wks
England, last 13 months
% of people waiting under 6 weeks
Show month-by-month figures
| Month | Waiting | Within 6 wks | 13+ wks |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | 4,986 | 74.8% | 723 |
| June 2026 | 5,074 | 75.2% | 721 |
| May 2026 | 5,000 | 76.0% | 673 |
| April 2026 | 4,941 | 76.6% | 555 |
| March 2026 | 4,655 | 81.9% | 439 |
| February 2026 | 4,303 | 82.2% | 419 |
| January 2026 | 4,197 | 79.6% | 403 |
| December 2025 | 3,949 | 80.3% | 393 |
| November 2025 | 3,910 | 82.6% | 352 |
| October 2025 | 3,983 | 80.8% | 335 |
| September 2025 | 3,992 | 80.3% | 317 |
| August 2025 | 3,741 | 80.2% | 269 |
| July 2025 | 3,850 | 81.6% | 227 |
Questions
How long is the NHS waiting list for a barium enema?
In July 2026, 4,986 people in England were waiting for a barium enema. Half had waited longer than 2.8 weeks and 25.2% had waited 6 weeks or more. The NHS standard is that no more than 1% should wait 6 weeks.
Which hospitals have the shortest waits for a barium enema?
Among providers with at least 200 people waiting, the lowest share waiting 6+ weeks in July 2026 was at Manchester University (0.0%), King's College Hospital (45.2%), Barts Health (51.2%).
Can I get a scan or test done faster?
Tests are usually booked by the hospital or GP team that referred you. If you have been waiting a long time, contact the department or the hospital's patient advice and liaison service (PALS). Some tests are also offered at community diagnostic centres.
Sources: NHS England statistics on referral to treatment (RTT) waiting times (July 2026), A&E attendances (August 2026), diagnostic waiting times (DM01) and cancer waiting times, published 10 September 2026; hospital sites from the nhs.uk organisation data. Figures are checked against the official national totals before every update.
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