NHS Trauma & Orthopaedics Referral Waiting Times in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Cobalt Hospital

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see an orthopaedic consultant is

15 weeks

That's 3½ months

The NHS Trauma & Orthopaedics waiting list at Cobalt Hospital currently has 430 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 15 weeks from GP referral. About 6 in 10 Trauma & Orthopaedics patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 3 have been waiting over a year. Cobalt Hospital is an Independent Sector provider in the North East and Yorkshire region. Waits at this hospital are about 2.1 weeks longer than in February 2025. It's slipped down 45 places in the national league for this department's; now 185 out of 306 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
14.9weeks
▲ +2.1 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
6in 10
▼ -5.1 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
430
▼ -24
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
3
▼ -31
Been on the list for 12+ months
6 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
430
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
3 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
34 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.

▲ +2.1 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 orthopaedic consultant is about 14 weeks. This hospital is about the same as the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 185th out of 306 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 28th out of 41 in North East and Yorkshire

What does Trauma & Orthopaedics cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Hip replacement
Knee replacement
Shoulder surgery
Carpal tunnel release
Arthroscopy (keyhole joint surgery)
Fracture treatment
ACL reconstruction
Spinal injections
Bunion surgery
Trigger finger release

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 Trauma & Orthopaedics waiting list at Cobalt Hospital?

Cobalt Hospital currently has about 430 patients on its Trauma & Orthopaedics 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 Trauma & Orthopaedics?

About 58% of Trauma & Orthopaedics 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 Trauma & Orthopaedics 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 Trauma & Orthopaedics 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.