NHS Neurosurgery Referral Waiting Times in Cambridge

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see a neurosurgeon is

12 weeks

That's nearly 3 months

The NHS Neurosurgery waiting list at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust currently has 1,957 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 12 weeks from GP referral. About 7 in 10 Neurosurgery patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 17 have been waiting over a year. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the East of England region. Waits at this hospital haven't really changed since February 2025. It's moved up 3 places in the national league for this department's; now 14 out of 42 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
11.8weeks
▲ +0.3 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
7in 10
▼ -3.2 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
2k
▲ +376
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
17
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
7 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
1,957
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
38 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
17 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
534 people
waiting for a surgery date
Already been told they need an operation

Long waiter breakdown

Of those waiting over a year, here's how long they've been waiting:

16waiting 1 to 1.25 years (52 to 65 weeks)
1waiting 1.25 to 1.5 years (65 to 78 weeks)

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 neurosurgeon is about 14 weeks. This hospital is faster than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 14th out of 42 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 1st out of 3 in East of England

What does Neurosurgery cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

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

Hospital contact

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

Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ
01223 245151
NHS Cambridgeshire And Peterborough Integrated Care Board

Same department at other hospitals nearby

Compare Neurosurgery waiting times at other hospitals in the East of England region:

Patient experiences

People who used this department at this hospital.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS Neurosurgery waiting list at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust?

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 1,957 patients on its Neurosurgery waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 12 weeks.

Does Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Neurosurgery?

About 67% of Neurosurgery patients at Cambridge University Hospitals 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 Neurosurgery 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 Neurosurgery 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.