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

NHS Cardiology Referral Waiting Times in Reading

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Updated August 2026

The typical wait to see a cardiologist is

11 weeks

That's 2½ months

The NHS Cardiology waiting list at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust currently has 2,834 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 11 weeks from GP referral. About 8 in 10 Cardiology patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 3 have been waiting over a year. Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the South East region. Waits at this hospital haven't really changed since August 2025. It's slipped down 16 places in the national league for this department's; now 57 out of 126 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Aug 25→Aug 26
Typical wait
10.9weeks
No change
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
8in 10
▲ +4.8 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
2.8k
▼ -340
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
3
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
8 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
2,834
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
23 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
3 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
84 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.

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 cardiologist is about 12 weeks. This hospital is about the same as the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 57th out of 126 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 8th out of 21 in South East

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.

Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, RG1 5AN
0118 322 5111
NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire And Berkshire West Integrated Care Board

Patient experiences

People who used this department at this hospital.

No reviews yet. Be the first to leave one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS Cardiology waiting list at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust?

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 2,834 patients on its Cardiology waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 11 weeks.

Does Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Cardiology?

About 82% of Cardiology patients at Royal Berkshire 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 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.