Last updated with NHS England data for August 2026. How we update

NHS Rheumatology Referral Waiting Times in London

Whittington Health NHS Trust

Updated August 2026

The typical wait to see a rheumatologist is

6 weeks

That's just over 1 month

The NHS Rheumatology waiting list at Whittington Health NHS Trust currently has 305 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 6 weeks from GP referral. About 10 in 10 Rheumatology patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). Whittington Health NHS Trust is an NHS Trust in the London region. Waits at this hospital are about 0.8 week longer than in August 2025. It's slipped down 1 place in the national league for this department's; now 9 out of 121 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Aug 25→Aug 26
Typical wait
5.5weeks
▲ +0.8 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
10in 10
▼ -2.6 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
305
▲ +108
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
0
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
10 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
305
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
15 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
13 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.

▲ +0.8 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 rheumatologist is about 11 weeks. This hospital is faster than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 9th out of 121 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 3rd out of 19 in London

What does Rheumatology cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis management
Lupus (SLE)
Fibromyalgia
Gout
Ankylosing spondylitis
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Joint injections
Connective tissue diseases

Hospital contact

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

The Whittington Hospital, London, N19 5NF
020 7272 3070
NHS North Central London 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 Rheumatology waiting list at Whittington Health NHS Trust?

Whittington Health NHS Trust currently has about 305 patients on its Rheumatology waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 6 weeks.

Does Whittington Health NHS Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Rheumatology?

About 97% of Rheumatology patients at Whittington Health 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 Rheumatology 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 Rheumatology 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.