NHS Respiratory Medicine Referral Waiting Times in Plymouth

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see a respiratory consultant is

12 weeks

That's nearly 3 months

The NHS Respiratory Medicine waiting list at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust currently has 1,656 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 12 weeks from GP referral. About 7 in 10 Respiratory Medicine patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 11 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 6.8 weeks shorter than in February 2025. It's moved up 25 places in the national league for this department's; now 85 out of 125 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
11.6weeks
▼ -6.8 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
7in 10
▲ +19.2 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
1.7k
▲ +81
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
11
▼ -45
Been on the list for 12+ months
7 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
1,656
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
33 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
11 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
2 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:

10waiting 1 to 1.25 years (52 to 65 weeks)
1waiting over 1.5 years (78+ weeks)

Wait time over time

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

▼ -6.8 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 slower than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 85th out of 125 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 9th out of 13 in South West

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.

Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
01752 202082
NHS Devon 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 University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust?

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust currently has about 1,656 patients on its Respiratory Medicine waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 12 weeks.

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

About 68% of Respiratory Medicine 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 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.