NHS Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Referral Waiting Times in Cranbrook

Benenden Hospital

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see an ENT specialist is

9 weeks

That's 2 months

The NHS Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) waiting list at Benenden Hospital currently has 148 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 9 weeks from GP referral. About 7 in 10 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). Benenden Hospital is an Independent Sector provider in the South East region. Waits at this hospital are about 6.8 weeks shorter than in February 2025. It's moved up 51 places in the national league for this department's; now 27 out of 156 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
9weeks
▼ -6.8 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
7in 10
▲ +13.3 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
148
▼ -10
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
0
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
7 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
148
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
41 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
8 people
waiting for a surgery date
Already been told they need an operation

Wait time over time

Median wait for this department, with the national average as a dashed line.

▼ -6.8 wks

How long are people waiting?

Distribution of patients by how many weeks they've been on the waiting list.

How does this compare?

The national average wait to see an ENT specialist is about 14 weeks. This hospital is faster than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 27th out of 156 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 6th out of 27 in South East

What does Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Tonsil removal (tonsillectomy)
Grommets for glue ear
Hearing loss assessment
Sinus surgery
Nasal polyp removal
Sleep apnoea treatment
Deviated septum correction
Ear infections
Voice and swallowing problems

Hospital contact

Main hospital switchboard. ask to be connected to the department.

Goddards Green Road, Cranbrook, TN17 4AX
NHS Kent And Medway Integrated Care Board

Patient experiences

People who used this department at this hospital.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) waiting list at Benenden Hospital?

Benenden Hospital currently has about 148 patients on its Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 9 weeks.

Does Benenden Hospital meet the NHS 18-week target for Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)?

About 70% of Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) patients at Benenden Hospital are currently seen within 18 weeks of GP referral. The NHS constitutional target is 92%.

Can I choose a different hospital if the Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) wait is too long?

Yes. Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England can ask their GP to refer them to any hospital that provides NHS care. Use WaitRadar to compare Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) waiting times at other NHS hospitals near you before accepting a referral.

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