NHS Neurosurgery Referral Waiting Times in Plymouth

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see a neurosurgeon is

21 weeks

That's 5 months

The NHS Neurosurgery waiting list at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust currently has 1,430 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 21 weeks from GP referral. About 4 in 10 Neurosurgery patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 80 have been waiting over a year. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is an NHS Trust in the South West region. Waits at this hospital are about 6.3 weeks longer than in February 2025. It's slipped down 6 places in the national league for this department's; now 41 out of 42 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
21.5weeks
▲ +6.3 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
4in 10
▼ -13.6 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
1.4k
▼ -15
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
80
▲ +14
Been on the list for 12+ months
4 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
1,430
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
48 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
80 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
384 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:

63waiting 1 to 1.25 years (52 to 65 weeks)
14waiting 1.25 to 1.5 years (65 to 78 weeks)
3waiting over 1.5 years (78+ weeks)

Wait time over time

Median wait for this department, with the national average as a dashed line.

▲ +6.3 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 a neurosurgeon is about 14 weeks. This hospital is slower than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 41st out of 42 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 3rd out of 3 in South West

What does Neurosurgery cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Brain tumour surgery
Spinal disc surgery
Nerve decompression
Carpal tunnel surgery
Spinal fusion
Hydrocephalus treatment (shunt)
Trigeminal neuralgia treatment
Deep brain stimulation

Hospital contact

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

Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
01752 202082
NHS Devon Integrated Care Board

Same department at other hospitals nearby

Compare Neurosurgery waiting times at other hospitals in the South West region:

Patient experiences

People who used this department at this hospital.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS Neurosurgery waiting list at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust?

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust currently has about 1,430 patients on its Neurosurgery waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 21 weeks.

Does University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Neurosurgery?

About 43% of Neurosurgery patients at University Hospitals Plymouth 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 Neurosurgery 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 Neurosurgery 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.