Long NHS Waiting Times for Nasal Blockage?
- mrtimbiggs4
- Nov 21
- 2 min read
If you're struggling with chronic nasal blockage, waking with a stuffy nose, mouth-breathing, snoring, or finding exercise hard, you may have been referred via the NHS for assessment.
But for many patients in the Hampshire & Isle of Wight (HIOW) Integrated Care Board (ICB) region, waiting times are long and surgery for structural nasal blockage is no longer routinely funded.
Why the Wait & Funding Reality Matters
The NHS pathway for nasal obstruction often starts with a GP appointment and medical management. Following a trial of nasal steroid sprays and drops, NHS specialist referral may be warranted. Routine wait times for this assessment through the NHS can take over a year. Recently, the HIOW ICB have decided all forms of obstructive nasal surgery (including septoplasty, septorhinoplasty etc) will not be routinely funded through the NHS.
Waiting on this pathway can mean:
months of nasal congestion, poor sleep, mouth breathing
reliance on sprays and external aids
frustration with no definitive outcome
Private Assessment Adds Value
Choosing a private consultant ENT and rhinology surgeon for assessment and (if necessary) surgery allows you to move forward without NHS delays.
Here’s what private care offers:
No need for GP referrals, you can ring straight away and book yourself in for assessment and surgery
Prompt consultation - often within days/weeks
Detailed evaluation of nasal structure (septum, valve, bones)
Clear explanation of whether surgery is indicated or whether medical therapy remains appropriate
Transparent fees for consultation and treatment path, with the ability to step out of private pathways at any point
Access to functional rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty if structural obstruction is found
For patients in the Portsmouth, Fareham and Hampshire region, this means taking control rather than waiting months for uncertain outcomes.
Why this is particularly relevant in Hampshire & Isle of Wight
Because the regional NHS funding policy does not routinely cover corrective nasal surgery for structural issues in HIOW, patients are often told:
In other words:
The NHS may accept you for assessment but not fund surgery
Long waiting lists may complicate timing and recovery
Self-funding may deliver outcome sooner, with clear plan
What to Do Next
If you are considering moving to private assessment:
Schedule a private consultation with a specialist rhinologist/ENT surgeon.
Bring previous investigations (if any), list of symptoms, and note what treatments you’ve tried (e.g., nasal sprays for 3+ months).
Ask explicitly: “Is my blockage structural (septum, valve, bones) or inflammatory (allergy, swelling)?”
If surgery is indicated, I will explain aims, risks, techniques (e.g., Piezo, dorsal preservation) and cost.
Ask about after-care, follow-up, and what support you’ll receive post-op.
Summary
If you’re stuck waiting for NHS assessment for nasal blockage, and you live in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight, you may face significant wait times and no guarantee of funded surgery. A private assessment offers a faster, clearer path.
At Adnova Clinic in Fareham, I offer specialist assessment and treatment for nasal obstruction, helping you breathe easier and sooner.
To enquire or book an assessment:
📍 Adnova Clinic
More information:
