NHS Cardiology Referral Waiting Times in Bristol

North Bristol NHS Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see a cardiologist is

11 weeks

That's 2½ months

The NHS Cardiology waiting list at North Bristol NHS Trust currently has 2,143 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 11 weeks from GP referral. About 7 in 10 Cardiology patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 1 have been waiting over a year. North Bristol NHS Trust is an NHS Trust in the South West region. Waits at this hospital haven't really changed since February 2025. It's slipped down 1 place in the national league for this department's; now 45 out of 131 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
10.6weeks
▼ -0.5 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
7in 10
▼ -4.2 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
2.1k
▲ +456
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
1
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
7 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
2,143
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
32 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
1 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
182 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.

▼ -0.5 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 cardiologist is about 13 weeks. This hospital is faster than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 45th out of 131 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 4th out of 15 in South West

What does Cardiology cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Chest pain investigation
Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia)
Heart failure management
Angiogram and angioplasty
Echocardiogram
High blood pressure
Heart murmur assessment
Palpitations
Post-heart attack follow-up

Hospital contact

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

Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB
0117 950 5050
NHS Bristol, North Somerset And South Gloucestershire 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 Cardiology waiting list at North Bristol NHS Trust?

North Bristol NHS Trust currently has about 2,143 patients on its Cardiology waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 11 weeks.

Does North Bristol NHS Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Cardiology?

About 68% of Cardiology patients at North Bristol 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 Cardiology 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 Cardiology 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.