NHS Plastic Surgery Referral Waiting Times in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Cobalt Hospital

Updated April 2026

The typical wait to see a plastic surgeon is

15 weeks

That's just over 3 months

The NHS Plastic Surgery waiting list at Cobalt Hospital currently has 853 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 15 weeks from GP referral. About 6 in 10 Plastic Surgery patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). Cobalt Hospital is an Independent Sector provider in the North East and Yorkshire region. Waits at this hospital are about 4.2 weeks longer than in April 2025. It's slipped down 30 places in the national league for this department's; now 60 out of 91 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Apr 25Apr 26
Typical wait
14.6weeks
▲ +4.2 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
6in 10
▼ -8.3 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
853
▲ +253
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
0
▼ -19
Been on the list for 12+ months
6 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
853
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
34 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
79 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.

▲ +4.2 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 plastic surgeon is about 13 weeks. This hospital is slower than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 60th out of 91 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 15th out of 18 in North East and Yorkshire

What does Plastic Surgery cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Skin cancer removal and reconstruction
Breast reconstruction
Hand surgery
Scar revision
Burns treatment
Skin graft surgery
Dupuytren's contracture release
Prominent ear correction

Hospital contact

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

The Silverlink North, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE27 0BY
NHS North East And North Cumbria 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 Plastic Surgery waiting list at Cobalt Hospital?

Cobalt Hospital currently has about 853 patients on its Plastic Surgery waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 15 weeks.

Does Cobalt Hospital meet the NHS 18-week target for Plastic Surgery?

About 58% of Plastic Surgery patients at Cobalt Hospital are currently seen within 18 weeks of GP referral. The NHS constitutional target is 92%.

Can I choose a different hospital if the Plastic Surgery 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 Plastic Surgery 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.