NHS Cardiology Referral Waiting Times in Bolton

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see a cardiologist is

19 weeks

That's 4½ months

The NHS Cardiology waiting list at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust currently has 3,059 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 19 weeks from GP referral. About 5 in 10 Cardiology patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 61 have been waiting over a year. Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the North West region. Waits at this hospital haven't really changed since February 2025. It's slipped down 8 places in the national league for this department's; now 127 out of 131 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
19.5weeks
▼ -0.3 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
5in 10
▲ +1 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
3.1k
▼ -332
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
61
▼ -19
Been on the list for 12+ months
5 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
3,059
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
44 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
61 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
28 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.

▼ -0.3 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 a cardiologist is about 13 weeks. This hospital is slower than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 127th out of 131 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 19th out of 19 in North West

What does Cardiology cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Chest pain investigation
Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia)
Heart failure management
Angiogram and angioplasty
Echocardiogram
High blood pressure
Heart murmur assessment
Palpitations
Post-heart attack follow-up

Hospital contact

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

The Royal Bolton Hospital, Bolton, BL4 0JR
01204 390390
NHS Greater Manchester 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 Cardiology waiting list at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust?

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 3,059 patients on its Cardiology waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 19 weeks.

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

About 47% of Cardiology patients at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust are currently seen within 18 weeks of GP referral. The NHS constitutional target is 92%.

Can I choose a different hospital if the Cardiology 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 Cardiology 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.