NHS Respiratory Medicine Referral Waiting Times in Cambridge

Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Updated June 2026

The typical wait to see a respiratory consultant is

6 weeks

That's just over 1 month

The NHS Respiratory Medicine waiting list at Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust currently has 2,938 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 6 weeks from GP referral. About 10 in 10 Respiratory Medicine patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the East of England region. Waits at this hospital are about 5.7 weeks shorter than in June 2025. It's moved up 46 places in the national league for this department's; now 15 out of 124 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Jun 25Jun 26
Typical wait
6weeks
▼ -5.7 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
10in 10
▲ +24.4 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
2.9k
▼ -1.1k
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
0
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
10 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
2,938
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
15 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
434 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.

▼ -5.7 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 respiratory consultant is about 9 weeks. This hospital is faster than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 15th out of 124 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 2nd out of 15 in East of England

What does Respiratory Medicine cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Asthma management
COPD treatment
Sleep apnoea assessment
Lung function tests (spirometry)
Pulmonary fibrosis
Persistent cough investigation
Breathlessness assessment
Pleural effusion drainage
Bronchoscopy

Hospital contact

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

Papworth Road, Cambridge, CB2 0AY
01223 638000
NHS Cambridgeshire And Peterborough 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 Respiratory Medicine waiting list at Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust?

Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 2,938 patients on its Respiratory Medicine waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 6 weeks.

Does Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Respiratory Medicine?

About 96% of Respiratory Medicine patients at Royal Papworth Hospital 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 Respiratory Medicine 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 Respiratory Medicine 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.