NHS Trauma & Orthopaedics Referral Waiting Times in Middlesbrough

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see an orthopaedic consultant is

13 weeks

That's 3 months

The NHS Trauma & Orthopaedics waiting list at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust currently has 5,216 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 13 weeks from GP referral. About 7 in 10 Trauma & Orthopaedics patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 70 have been waiting over a year. South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the North East and Yorkshire region. Waits at this hospital are about 3.3 weeks shorter than in February 2025. It's moved up 76 places in the national league for this department's; now 139 out of 306 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
12.7weeks
▼ -3.3 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
7in 10
▲ +11.7 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
5.2k
▼ -351
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
70
▼ -203
Been on the list for 12+ months
7 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
5,216
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
37 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
70 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
2,553 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:

69waiting 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.

▼ -3.3 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 an orthopaedic consultant is about 14 weeks. This hospital is about the same as the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 139th out of 306 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 20th out of 41 in North East and Yorkshire

What does Trauma & Orthopaedics cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Hip replacement
Knee replacement
Shoulder surgery
Carpal tunnel release
Arthroscopy (keyhole joint surgery)
Fracture treatment
ACL reconstruction
Spinal injections
Bunion surgery
Trigger finger release

Hospital contact

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

James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
01642 850850
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 Trauma & Orthopaedics waiting list at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust?

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 5,216 patients on its Trauma & Orthopaedics waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 13 weeks.

Does South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Trauma & Orthopaedics?

About 66% of Trauma & Orthopaedics patients at South Tees Hospitals 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 Trauma & Orthopaedics 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 Trauma & Orthopaedics 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.