NHS Rheumatology Referral Waiting Times in Carlisle

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see a rheumatologist is

18 weeks

That's 4 months

The NHS Rheumatology waiting list at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust currently has 1,297 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 18 weeks from GP referral. About 5 in 10 Rheumatology patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 16 have been waiting over a year. North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the North East and Yorkshire region. Waits at this hospital are about 1.6 weeks longer than in February 2025. It's slipped down 12 places in the national league for this department's; now 116 out of 125 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
17.5weeks
▲ +1.6 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
5in 10
▼ -4.3 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
1.3k
▲ +122
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
16
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
5 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
1,297
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
16 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
5 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:

15waiting 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.

▲ +1.6 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 10 weeks. This hospital is slower than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 116th out of 125 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 20th out of 21 in North East and Yorkshire

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.

Pillars Building, Carlisle, CA2 7HY
01228 602000
NHS North East And North 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 Rheumatology waiting list at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust?

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 1,297 patients on its Rheumatology waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 18 weeks.

Does North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Rheumatology?

About 51% of Rheumatology patients at North Cumbria Integrated Care 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.