NHS Respiratory Medicine Referral Waiting Times in Colchester

East Suffolk And North Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Updated April 2026

The typical wait to see a respiratory consultant is

9 weeks

That's 2 months

The NHS Respiratory Medicine waiting list at East Suffolk And North Essex NHS Foundation Trust currently has 1,348 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 9 weeks from GP referral. About 7 in 10 Respiratory Medicine patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). East Suffolk And North Essex NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the East of England region. Waits at this hospital are about 3.7 weeks shorter than in April 2025. It's moved up 25 places in the national league for this department's; now 52 out of 124 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Apr 25Apr 26
Typical wait
8.8weeks
▼ -3.7 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
7in 10
▲ +12.1 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
1.3k
▼ -682
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
0
▼ -64
Been on the list for 12+ months
7 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
1,348
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
32 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
17 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.

▼ -3.7 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 respiratory consultant is about 10 weeks. This hospital is about the same as the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 52nd out of 124 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 6th out of 15 in East of England

What does Respiratory Medicine cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Asthma management
COPD treatment
Sleep apnoea assessment
Lung function tests (spirometry)
Pulmonary fibrosis
Persistent cough investigation
Breathlessness assessment
Pleural effusion drainage
Bronchoscopy

Hospital contact

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

Colchester Dist General Hospital, Colchester, CO4 5JL
01206 747474
NHS Suffolk And North East Essex 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 Respiratory Medicine waiting list at East Suffolk And North Essex NHS Foundation Trust?

East Suffolk And North Essex NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 1,348 patients on its Respiratory Medicine waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 9 weeks.

Does East Suffolk And North Essex NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Respiratory Medicine?

About 72% of Respiratory Medicine patients at East Suffolk And North Essex 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 Respiratory Medicine 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 Respiratory Medicine 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.