NHS waiting times in Plymouth
Plymouth is a town in Devon, South West England, England.NHS services for people living in and around Plymouth are primarily provided by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
This page provides an overview of NHS waiting times relevant to Plymouth based on publicly available data.
NHS services and population context in Plymouth
- Location: Devon, England
- Primary NHS trust: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
NHS England structure
Healthcare in England is delivered through NHS trusts, which are public sector organisations providing hospital and community services. Trusts are overseen by regional Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), which are responsible for planning and commissioning healthcare services.
Residents of Plymouth accessing NHS hospital services are likely to be seen at facilities operated by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, though referrals to other trusts may occur depending on clinical need and service availability.
Diagnostic waiting times in Plymouth
The table below shows diagnostic waiting times for University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, the NHS trust serving Plymouth. Data includes waiting lists for MRI, CT, Ultrasound and Endoscopy.
| Diagnostic test | Total waiting list | Waiting over 6 weeks | % over 6 weeks | Waiting 13+ weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRI scan | 1,367 | 163 | 11.9% | 17 |
| CT scan | 857 | 0 | 0.0% | 0 |
| Ultrasound | 2,244 | 310 | 13.8% | 16 |
| Endoscopy | 733 | 71 | 9.7% | 10 |
Data period: DM01-NOVEMBER-2025
Waiting times are published at NHS trust level. The figures above represent the position at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust during the DM01-NOVEMBER-2025 reporting period.
Understanding diagnostic waiting times
NHS diagnostic waiting times measure the period from referral receipt to the date the test is carried out. The NHS standard is that patients should wait no longer than six weeks for a diagnostic test.
Factors affecting waiting times at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and other trusts include:
- Local demand for diagnostic services
- Availability of scanning equipment and specialist staff
- Priority given to urgent and cancer referrals
- Seasonal variations in referral patterns
Other NHS waiting times affecting Plymouth
For many NHS services, including mental health care and neurodevelopmental assessments, waiting time data is not routinely published at town or hospital level. The information below reflects national NHS context.
ADHD assessment waiting times (England)
NHS England publications and parliamentary reports indicate that waiting times for ADHD assessments are often prolonged in many areas, with some services reporting waits measured in years. Waiting times vary significantly depending on local service capacity and referral pathways.
Autism assessment waiting times (England)
National NHS data shows that autism assessment waiting times frequently exceed recommended standards in many parts of England, with wide regional variation driven by demand and service capacity.
Mental health waiting times (England)
National NHS data shows that waiting times for mental health services vary by service type. Talking therapies may involve waits of weeks to months, while community mental health and CAMHS services can experience longer waiting lists in some regions depending on demand and staffing levels.
A&E waiting times (England)
A&E performance is reported nationally by NHS England. Data shows that many emergency departments do not consistently meet the four-hour standard, with performance varying over time and between regions.
Frequently asked questions about NHS waiting times in Plymouth
Do residents of Plymouth use hospitals outside the town?
Yes. NHS referral pathways mean residents of Plymouth may receive care at hospitals operated by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust or other nearby trusts. The hospital location depends on the service, clinical need, and patient choice where applicable.
Does this page show live NHS waiting times for Plymouth?
No. The information shown is based on published NHS data and reflects historical reporting periods. It does not show real-time waiting lists or current wait durations. For current information about your specific referral, contact your GP or healthcare provider.
Are MRI waiting times published for Plymouth?
MRI waiting times are published at NHS trust level rather than by individual town. The data shown for Plymouth reflects waiting times at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust for the reporting period DM01-NOVEMBER-2025.
What is the NHS 6-week diagnostic standard?
The NHS standard is that patients should wait no longer than 6 weeks from referral to diagnostic test. The data tables on this site show how many patients are waiting over this threshold at each trust.
Which NHS trust provides hospital services for Plymouth?
NHS hospital services for residents of Plymouth are primarily provided by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. Patients may also be referred to other trusts depending on the service required and clinical pathways.
Explore more NHS waiting time information
View waiting times for other locations and services:
Where the data comes from
Diagnostic waiting time information is sourced from the NHS England Monthly Diagnostics Data (DM01) publication and published under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Important information for users
This website is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the NHS or any UK health authority.
The site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Information is provided for general reference purposes only.
If you have concerns about your health or your position on a waiting list, please contact your GP or healthcare provider directly.
Last updated: January 2026