Rheumatology Department Waiting Times in Bristol

North Bristol NHS Trust

Updated December 2025

The typical wait to see a rheumatologist is

16 weeks

That's 3½ months

North Bristol NHS Trust is an NHS Trust in the South West region. There are currently 1,152 people waiting to see a rheumatologist, with a typical wait of about 3½ months. 56% of patients are seen within the 18-week target.

56 out of 100
patients are seen within 18 weeks
1,152
people on the waiting list
35 weeks
worst case wait time (92nd percentile)
1 people
have been approved for treatment and are waiting for a date (0% of the list)

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 slower than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 104th out of 126 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 11th out of 12 in South West

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.

Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB
0117 950 5050
NHS Bristol, North Somerset And South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Rheumatology waiting time at North Bristol NHS Trust?

The current average Rheumatology waiting time at North Bristol NHS Trust is about 16 weeks.

How does North Bristol NHS Trust compare to other hospitals for Rheumatology?

You can compare Rheumatology waiting times across all NHS hospitals on WaitRadar to find shorter waits near you.

Can I choose which hospital I'm referred to?

Yes. Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England have the right to choose which hospital they are referred to for a first outpatient appointment. Discuss your options with your GP.

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