NHS Respiratory Medicine Referral Waiting Times in Smethwick

Sandwell And West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust

Updated April 2026

The typical wait to see a respiratory consultant is

8 weeks

That's nearly 2 months

The NHS Respiratory Medicine waiting list at Sandwell And West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust currently has 1,839 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 8 weeks from GP referral. About 9 in 10 Respiratory Medicine patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 1 have been waiting over a year. Sandwell And West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust is an NHS Trust in the Midlands region. Waits at this hospital are about 0.8 week shorter than in April 2025. It's slipped down 10 places in the national league for this department's; now 39 out of 124 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Apr 25Apr 26
Typical wait
7.8weeks
▼ -0.8 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
9in 10
▲ +3.8 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
1.8k
▲ +611
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
1
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
9 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
1,839
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
17 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
1 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
1 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.

▼ -0.8 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 respiratory consultant is about 10 weeks. This hospital is faster than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 39th out of 124 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 5th out of 21 in Midlands

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.

Midland Metropolitan University Hos, Smethwick, B66 2QT
0121 553 1831
NHS Black Country 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 Sandwell And West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust?

Sandwell And West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust currently has about 1,839 patients on its Respiratory Medicine waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 8 weeks.

Does Sandwell And West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Respiratory Medicine?

About 93% of Respiratory Medicine patients at Sandwell And West Birmingham Hospitals NHS 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.