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

NHS Plastic Surgery Referral Waiting Times in London

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Updated August 2026

The typical wait to see a plastic surgeon is

14 weeks

That's just over 3 months

The NHS Plastic Surgery waiting list at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust currently has 3,268 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 14 weeks from GP referral. About 6 in 10 Plastic Surgery patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 18 have been waiting over a year. Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the London region. Waits at this hospital are about 1.8 weeks shorter than in August 2025. It's moved up 2 places in the national league for this department's; now 60 out of 92 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Aug 25→Aug 26
Typical wait
13.7weeks
▼ -1.8 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
6in 10
▲ +5.8 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
3.3k
▲ +360
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
18
▼ -91
Been on the list for 12+ months
6 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
3,268
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
38 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
18 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
1,240 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.

▼ -1.8 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 plastic surgeon is about 12 weeks. This hospital is slower than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 60th out of 92 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 9th out of 17 in London

What does Plastic Surgery cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Skin cancer removal and reconstruction
Breast reconstruction
Hand surgery
Scar revision
Burns treatment
Skin graft surgery
Dupuytren's contracture release
Prominent ear correction

Hospital contact

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

Royal Free Hospital, London, NW3 2QG
020 3758 2000
NHS North Central London 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 Plastic Surgery waiting list at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust?

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 3,268 patients on its Plastic Surgery waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 14 weeks.

Does Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Plastic Surgery?

About 62% of Plastic Surgery patients at Royal Free London 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 Plastic Surgery 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 Plastic Surgery 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.