NHS Neurosurgery Referral Waiting Times in Preston

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see a neurosurgeon is

15 weeks

That's 3½ months

The NHS Neurosurgery waiting list at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust currently has 3,820 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 15 weeks from GP referral. About 6 in 10 Neurosurgery patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 25 have been waiting over a year. Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the North West region. Waits at this hospital are about 1.8 weeks longer than in February 2025. It's slipped down 1 place in the national league for this department's; now 31 out of 42 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
15.3weeks
▲ +1.8 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
6in 10
▼ -3 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
3.8k
▲ +878
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
25
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
6 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
3,820
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
39 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
25 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
413 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.

▲ +1.8 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 slower than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 31st out of 42 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 7th out of 7 in North West

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.

Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, PR2 9HT
01772 716565
NHS Lancashire And South 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 Neurosurgery waiting list at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust?

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 3,820 patients on its Neurosurgery waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 15 weeks.

Does Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Neurosurgery?

About 57% of Neurosurgery patients at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals 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.

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