Cardiothoracic Surgery Waiting Times Across the NHS

The NHS Cardiothoracic Surgery waiting list in England has 8,766 patients currently waiting for treatment, with a typical wait of around 11 weeks across 32 hospitals. In practice, Cardiothoracic Surgery waiting times range from about 4 weeks at the fastest hospital to 29 weeks at the slowest. From GP referral to first Cardiothoracic Surgery appointment, most patients (92%) are seen within about 27 weeks; the NHS constitutional target is 18 weeks. 136 patients have been on the Cardiothoracic Surgery waiting list for more than a year. Waits for Cardiothoracic Surgery haven't really changed since April 2025.

12-month change

Then vs now nationally

Apr 25→Apr 26
Typical wait
10.6weeks
No change
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
8in 10
â–² +5.1 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
8.8k
â–¼ -1k
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
136
â–¼ -37
Been on the list for 12+ months
32
Hospitals you could choose from
11 weeks
How long most people wait
8 in 10
Seen within 18 weeks
136
Have waited over a year

Common reasons for referral

Coronary artery bypass (CABG)
Heart valve replacement or repair
Lung cancer surgery
Aortic aneurysm repair
Chest wall deformity correction
Pacemaker insertion
Thoracoscopy (keyhole chest surgery)

National trend

Average cardiothoracic surgery wait across England, month by month.

No change

All hospitals

Hospital Region Wait Within 18 Wks 52+ Wk
Maidstone And Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust South East South East 4 wks
92.0%
-
St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust London London 5 wks
94.4%
-
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust Midlands Midlands 6 wks
95.2%
-
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust South West South West 6 wks
95.2%
-
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Midlands Midlands 6 wks
88.9%
-
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust South West South West 6 wks
100.0%
-
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 7 wks
77.9%
-
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust London London 8 wks
86.7%
-
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust South East South East 8 wks
80.3%
-
University Hospitals Coventry And Warwickshire NHS Trust Midlands Midlands 8 wks
84.7%
1
University Hospitals Of Derby And Burton NHS Foundation Trust Midlands Midlands 8 wks
88.1%
-
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 8 wks
81.7%
2
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust Midlands Midlands 8 wks
86.1%
2
University Hospitals Of North Midlands NHS Trust Midlands Midlands 8 wks
83.9%
1
The Shrewsbury And Telford Hospital NHS Trust Midlands Midlands 8 wks
95.4%
-
University Hospitals Of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 8 wks
100.0%
-
East And North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust East of England East of England 9 wks
86.7%
-
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 9 wks
75.9%
7
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust London London 9 wks
78.7%
-
University Hospitals Of Leicester NHS Trust Midlands Midlands 9 wks
80.5%
1
Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust East of England East of England 9 wks
76.5%
1
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust South East South East 10 wks
72.6%
1
Guy's And St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust London London 10 wks
71.4%
-
University Hospitals Bristol And Weston NHS Foundation Trust South West South West 11 wks
78.7%
-
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 11 wks
71.8%
1
Liverpool Heart And Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 13 wks
60.6%
18
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust South West South West 16 wks
52.2%
14
The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 19 wks
48.9%
3
County Durham And Darlington NHS Foundation Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 20 wks
35.0%
-
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 20 wks
45.5%
84
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 23 wks
36.2%
-
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust East of England East of England 29 wks
1.4%
-

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS Cardiothoracic Surgery waiting list?

The NHS Cardiothoracic Surgery waiting list in England has about 8,766 patients currently waiting for treatment. The typical wait is around 11 weeks (2½ months), based on data from 32 hospitals. Waiting times vary significantly between hospitals, so it's worth comparing your options before accepting a referral.

How long will I wait to see a cardiothoracic surgeon on the NHS?

The headline NHS waiting time is the wait from your GP's referral to your first outpatient appointment, which is the first time you actually see a cardiothoracic surgeon. Nationally this currently averages about 11 weeks. In our data it ranges from as short as 4 weeks at the fastest hospital to 29 weeks at the slowest, so where you are referred matters. Any tests, procedures or treatment that follow that first appointment may have their own waits on top.

What percentage of Cardiothoracic Surgery patients are seen within 18 weeks?

Across the NHS, 75% of Cardiothoracic Surgery patients are currently seen within the 18-week target. The NHS constitutional standard is 92%.

Can I choose which hospital I'm referred to?

Yes. Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England have the right to choose which hospital they are referred to for a first outpatient appointment. You can use WaitRadar to compare waiting times and discuss your options with your GP.

Source: NHS England RTT statistics. about our methodology

This is informational data, not medical advice. Always discuss referral options with your GP. Full disclaimer.