NHS Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Referral Waiting Times in Poole

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see an ENT specialist is

16 weeks

That's nearly 4 months

The NHS Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) waiting list at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust currently has 5,788 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 16 weeks from GP referral. About 6 in 10 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 44 have been waiting over a year. University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the South West region. Waits at this hospital haven't really changed since February 2025. It's slipped down 19 places in the national league for this department's; now 98 out of 156 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
15.8weeks
No change
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
6in 10
No change
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
5.8k
▲ +123
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
44
▼ -101
Been on the list for 12+ months
6 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
5,788
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
44 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
831 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.

No change

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 ENT specialist is about 14 weeks. This hospital is slower than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 98th out of 156 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 13th out of 16 in South West

What does Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Tonsil removal (tonsillectomy)
Grommets for glue ear
Hearing loss assessment
Sinus surgery
Nasal polyp removal
Sleep apnoea treatment
Deviated septum correction
Ear infections
Voice and swallowing problems

Hospital contact

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

Management Offices, Poole, BH15 2JB
NHS Dorset 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 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) waiting list at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust?

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 5,788 patients on its Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 16 weeks.

Does University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)?

About 56% of Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) patients at University Hospitals Dorset 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 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) 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 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) 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.