NHS Respiratory Medicine Referral Waiting Times in Newcastle Upon Tyne

The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Updated February 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 The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust currently has 942 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 6 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). 2 have been waiting over a year. The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the North East and Yorkshire region. Waits at this hospital are about 2.7 weeks shorter than in February 2025. It's moved up 10 places in the national league for this department's; now 16 out of 125 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
5.8weeks
▼ -2.7 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
9in 10
▲ +9.7 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
942
▼ -514
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
2
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
9 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
942
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
24 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
2 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
28 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.

▼ -2.7 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 10 weeks. This hospital is faster than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 16th out of 125 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 3rd out of 21 in North East and Yorkshire

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.

Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE7 7DN
0191 233 6161
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 Respiratory Medicine waiting list at The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust?

The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 942 patients on its Respiratory Medicine waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 6 weeks.

Does The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Respiratory Medicine?

About 87% of Respiratory Medicine patients at The Newcastle Upon Tyne 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 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.