Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Waiting Times

The NHS waiting list at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust currently has 21,963 patients waiting for treatment, with a typical wait of around 13 weeks from GP referral. About 6 in 10 patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS target is 9 in 10), and 296 have been waiting over a year.

NHS Foundation Trust South West Updated April 2026

Across all departments, most patients wait about 13 weeks

That's roughly 3 months: 6 in 10 people are seen within 18 weeks. Waits at this hospital haven't really changed since April 2025.

12-month change

Then vs now at this hospital

Apr 25→Apr 26
Typical wait
13.2weeks
â–¼ -0.4 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
6in 10
â–² +1.4 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
22k
â–¼ -520
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
296
â–¼ -152
Been on the list for 12+ months

Hospital details

Address Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY
Phone 01305 251150
Integrated Care Board NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board
Established 1991

Waiting time trend

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

â–¼ -0.4 wks

Department waiting times

Hospital sites at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

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

Blandford Community Hospital Bmi The Winterbourne Hospital Bridport Community Hospital Dorset County Hospital Poole Hospital Portland Hospital Royal Bournemouth Hospital Weymouth Community Hospital Yeatman Hospital Yeovil District Hospital

What patients are saying

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS waiting list at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust?

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 21,963 patients on its NHS waiting list. The typical wait across all departments is around 13 weeks from GP referral, though this varies significantly by specialty.

Does Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target?

About 6 in 10 patients at Dorset County Hospital 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 Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust?

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust can be contacted via their main switchboard on 01305 251150. 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.