NHS Neurosurgery Referral Waiting Times in Leeds

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Updated April 2026

The typical wait to see a neurosurgeon is

10 weeks

That's just over 2 months

The NHS Neurosurgery waiting list at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust currently has 588 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 10 weeks from GP referral. About 7 in 10 Neurosurgery patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 19 have been waiting over a year. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is an NHS Trust in the North East and Yorkshire region. Waits at this hospital haven't really changed since April 2025. It's moved up 3 places in the national league for this department's; now 9 out of 45 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Apr 25Apr 26
Typical wait
9.5weeks
No change
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
7in 10
▲ +1 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
588
▲ +81
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
19
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
7 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
588
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
42 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
19 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
244 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:

18waiting 1 to 1.25 years (52 to 65 weeks)
1waiting 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.

No change

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 12 weeks. This hospital is faster than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 9th out of 45 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 2nd out of 8 in North East and Yorkshire

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.

St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF
0113 243 3144
NHS West Yorkshire 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 Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust?

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust currently has about 588 patients on its Neurosurgery waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 10 weeks.

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

About 69% of Neurosurgery patients at Leeds Teaching Hospitals 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 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.