Last updated with NHS England data for August 2026. How we update

Neurosurgery Waiting Times Across the NHS

The NHS Neurosurgery waiting list in England has 53,894 patients currently waiting for treatment, with a typical wait of around 14 weeks across 43 hospitals. In practice, Neurosurgery waiting times range from about 4 weeks at the fastest hospital to 32 weeks at the slowest. From GP referral to first Neurosurgery appointment, most patients (92%) are seen within about 37 weeks; the NHS constitutional target is 18 weeks. 788 patients have been on the Neurosurgery waiting list for more than a year. Waits for Neurosurgery are about 0.7 week longer than in August 2025.

12-month change

Then vs now nationally

Aug 25→Aug 26
Typical wait
13.9weeks
â–² +0.7 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
6in 10
â–¼ -2.8 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
54k
â–¼ -3.5k
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
788
â–¼ -697
Been on the list for 12+ months
43
Hospitals you could choose from
14 weeks
How long most people wait
6 in 10
Seen within 18 weeks
788
Have waited over a year

Common reasons for referral

Brain tumour surgery
Spinal disc surgery
Nerve decompression
Carpal tunnel surgery
Spinal fusion
Hydrocephalus treatment (shunt)
Trigeminal neuralgia treatment
Deep brain stimulation

National trend

Average neurosurgery wait across England, month by month.

â–² +0.7 wks

All hospitals

Hospital Region Wait Within 18 Wks 52+ Wk
Spire Fylde Coast Hospital North West North West 4 wks
72.3%
-
Bmi - Three Shires Hospital Midlands Midlands 4 wks
91.5%
1
Bmi - The Meriden Hospital Midlands Midlands 5 wks
94.1%
-
Nuffield Health, Cambridge Hospital East of England East of England 6 wks
91.7%
-
The One Health Group Ltd North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 8 wks
81.9%
16
University Hospitals Bristol And Weston NHS Foundation Trust South West South West 9 wks
77.1%
-
Spire Hull And East Riding Hospital North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 9 wks
70.0%
-
Spire St Anthony's Hospital London London 10 wks
76.7%
-
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust Midlands Midlands 10 wks
74.7%
10
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 11 wks
76.1%
7
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust South East South East 11 wks
69.8%
8
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 11 wks
65.7%
31
The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 11 wks
69.1%
25
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust South East South East 12 wks
74.3%
2
Spire Washington Hospital North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 12 wks
74.7%
-
The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 12 wks
63.3%
43
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust East of England East of England 12 wks
64.9%
31
Dorking Healthcare Limited (Dhc) South East South East 12 wks
86.2%
-
Spire Regency Hospital North West North West 13 wks
82.4%
-
Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital East of England East of England 13 wks
69.0%
-
Barking, Havering And Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust London London 13 wks
67.9%
27
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust South East South East 13 wks
58.7%
5
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust London London 13 wks
61.6%
51
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 13 wks
62.4%
-
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust London London 14 wks
65.4%
23
University Hospitals Of North Midlands NHS Trust Midlands Midlands 14 wks
58.6%
9
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 14 wks
59.9%
109
University Hospitals Of Derby And Burton NHS Foundation Trust Midlands Midlands 14 wks
56.8%
-
Nuffield Health, Brentwood Hospital East of England East of England 15 wks
57.9%
5
St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust London London 15 wks
58.7%
12
Claremont Private Hospital North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 15 wks
56.8%
4
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust London London 15 wks
55.8%
2
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Midlands Midlands 16 wks
55.5%
-
University Hospitals Coventry And Warwickshire NHS Trust Midlands Midlands 17 wks
53.7%
155
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust North West North West 17 wks
51.8%
139
Barts Health NHS Trust London London 18 wks
49.7%
25
Nuffield Health, Plymouth Hospital South West South West 18 wks
49.4%
1
University Hospitals Of Leicester NHS Trust Midlands Midlands 18 wks
48.8%
2
Bmi - The Beardwood Hospital North West North West 19 wks
47.8%
-
Pioneer Healthcare Limited North East and Yorkshire North East and Yorkshire 24 wks
38.7%
27
Spire London East London London 25 wks
30.7%
11
St Helens And Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust North West North West 28 wks
25.6%
1
Mid And South Essex NHS Foundation Trust East of England East of England 32 wks
34.6%
6

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS Neurosurgery waiting list?

The NHS Neurosurgery waiting list in England has about 53,894 patients currently waiting for treatment. The typical wait is around 14 weeks (just over 3 months), based on data from 43 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 neurosurgeon 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 neurosurgeon. Nationally this currently averages about 14 weeks. In our data it ranges from as short as 4 weeks at the fastest hospital to 32 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 Neurosurgery patients are seen within 18 weeks?

Across the NHS, 64% of Neurosurgery 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.