NHS Cardiothoracic Surgery Referral Waiting Times in London

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

Updated April 2026

The typical wait to see a cardiothoracic surgeon is

9 weeks

That's 2 months

The NHS Cardiothoracic Surgery waiting list at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust currently has 522 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 9 weeks from GP referral. About 8 in 10 Cardiothoracic Surgery patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is an NHS Trust in the London region. Waits at this hospital haven't really changed since April 2025. It's slipped down 3 places in the national league for this department's; now 19 out of 32 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Apr 25Apr 26
Typical wait
8.9weeks
▲ +0.4 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
8in 10
▲ +6.5 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
522
▲ +46
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
0
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
8 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
522
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
29 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
160 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.

▲ +0.4 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 cardiothoracic surgeon is about 11 weeks. This hospital is faster than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 19th out of 32 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 3rd out of 4 in London

What does Cardiothoracic Surgery cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Coronary artery bypass (CABG)
Heart valve replacement or repair
Lung cancer surgery
Aortic aneurysm repair
Chest wall deformity correction
Pacemaker insertion
Thoracoscopy (keyhole chest surgery)

Hospital contact

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

The Bays, London, W2 1BL
020 3311 3311
NHS North West London 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 Cardiothoracic Surgery waiting list at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust?

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust currently has about 522 patients on its Cardiothoracic Surgery waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 9 weeks.

Does Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Cardiothoracic Surgery?

About 79% of Cardiothoracic Surgery patients at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust are currently seen within 18 weeks of GP referral. The NHS constitutional target is 92%.

Can I choose a different hospital if the Cardiothoracic 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 Cardiothoracic 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.