Bolton NHS Foundation Trust Waiting Times

The NHS waiting list at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust currently has 37,369 patients waiting for treatment, with a typical wait of around 14 weeks from GP referral. About 6 in 10 patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS target is 9 in 10), and 543 have been waiting over a year.

NHS Foundation Trust North West Updated February 2026

Across all departments, most patients wait about 14 weeks

That's roughly just over 3 months: 6 in 10 people are seen within 18 weeks. Waits at this hospital are about 2.1 weeks shorter than in February 2025.

12-month change

Then vs now at this hospital

Feb 25→Feb 26
Typical wait
13.8weeks
â–¼ -2.1 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
6in 10
â–² +5.1 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
37k
â–¼ -2.6k
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
543
â–¼ -780
Been on the list for 12+ months

Hospital details

Address The Royal Bolton Hospital, Minerva Road, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 0JR
Phone 01204 390390
Integrated Care Board NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board
Established 1994

Formerly known as

This trust was formed from or previously known as:

Bolton Hospital Services Unit

Waiting time trend

Median wait across all departments at this hospital, month by month.

â–¼ -2.1 wks

Department waiting times

Hospital sites at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust operates the following NHS hospital sites. Waiting list figures on this page cover the trust as a whole.

Beardwood Hospital Beaumont Hospital Royal Bolton Hospital Salford Royal Hospital Wrightington Hospital

What patients are saying

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS waiting list at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust?

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 37,369 patients on its NHS waiting list. The typical wait across all departments is around 14 weeks from GP referral, though this varies significantly by specialty.

Does Bolton NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target?

About 6 in 10 patients at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust are currently seen within the 18-week referral-to-treatment target. The NHS constitutional standard is 9 in 10 (92%).

How do I contact Bolton NHS Foundation Trust?

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust can be contacted via their main switchboard on 01204 390390. Ask to be connected to the relevant department or clinic.

Can I choose to be referred to this hospital?

Yes. Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England have the right to choose which hospital they are referred to for a first outpatient appointment. Discuss your options with your GP before accepting a referral.