Last updated with NHS England data for August 2026. How we update

NHS Rheumatology Referral Waiting Times in Stafford

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Updated August 2026

The typical wait to see a rheumatologist is

8 weeks

That's 2 months

The NHS Rheumatology waiting list at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust currently has 4,780 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 8 weeks from GP referral. About 8 in 10 Rheumatology patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the Midlands region. Waits at this hospital are about 2.2 weeks longer than in August 2025. It's slipped down 26 places in the national league for this department's; now 41 out of 121 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Aug 25→Aug 26
Typical wait
8.3weeks
▲ +2.2 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
8in 10
▼ -12.8 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
4.8k
▲ +1k
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
4,780
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
27 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer

Wait time over time

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

▲ +2.2 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 rheumatologist is about 11 weeks. This hospital is faster than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 41st out of 121 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 13th out of 20 in Midlands

What does Rheumatology cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis management
Lupus (SLE)
Fibromyalgia
Gout
Ankylosing spondylitis
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Joint injections
Connective tissue diseases

Hospital contact

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

Trust Headquarters, Stafford, ST16 3SR
0300 790 7000
NHS Staffordshire And Stoke-on-trent 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 Rheumatology waiting list at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust?

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 4,780 patients on its Rheumatology waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 8 weeks.

Does Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Rheumatology?

About 81% of Rheumatology patients at Midlands Partnership 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 Rheumatology 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 Rheumatology 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.