NHS Neurosurgery Referral Waiting Times in London

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see a neurosurgeon is

14 weeks

That's just over 3 months

The NHS Neurosurgery waiting list at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust currently has 2,964 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 14 weeks from GP referral. About 6 in 10 Neurosurgery patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 62 have been waiting over a year. King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the London region. Waits at this hospital are about 1.5 week shorter than in February 2025. It's moved up 11 places in the national league for this department's; now 25 out of 42 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25→Feb 26
Typical wait
13.8weeks
▼ -1.5 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
6in 10
▲ +6.8 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
3k
▼ -254
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
62
▼ -38
Been on the list for 12+ months
6 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
2,964
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
40 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
62 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
959 people
waiting for a surgery date
Already been told they need an operation

Long waiter breakdown

Of those waiting over a year, here's how long they've been waiting:

59waiting 1 to 1.25 years (52 to 65 weeks)
3waiting 1.25 to 1.5 years (65 to 78 weeks)

Wait time over time

Median wait for this department, with the national average as a dashed line.

▼ -1.5 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 neurosurgeon is about 14 weeks. This hospital is about the same as the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 25th out of 42 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 3rd out of 8 in London

What does Neurosurgery cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Brain tumour surgery
Spinal disc surgery
Nerve decompression
Carpal tunnel surgery
Spinal fusion
Hydrocephalus treatment (shunt)
Trigeminal neuralgia treatment
Deep brain stimulation

Hospital contact

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

Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS
020 3299 9000
Visit website
NHS South East London Integrated Care Board

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS Neurosurgery waiting list at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust?

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 2,964 patients on its Neurosurgery waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 14 weeks.

Does King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Neurosurgery?

About 64% of Neurosurgery patients at King's College Hospital 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 Neurosurgery 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 Neurosurgery waiting times at other NHS hospitals near you before accepting a referral.

Source: NHS England RTT statistics. about our methodology

This is informational data, not medical advice. Always discuss referral options with your GP. Full disclaimer.