Please find below an updated version of FHFT’s average waiting time to first routine outpatient appointment for our key specialties (Table 1).  To note, average waits exclude suspected cancer and urgent referrals and have been developed using service level information.

This information is to assist with patient conversations and expectations, however, please manage this information sensitively.  

We are continuing to work with our partners to seek ways to create additional capacity and implement different ways of working to support patients as quickly as possible and bring down our waiting times, with a key focus on our longest waiting patients. 

Prior to sending a referral, please continue to refer to ICS-wide specialty pathways, guidance and referral forms on DXS and Ardens, developed collaboratively with GPs and other key stakeholders.   

If you would like clinical advice on how to manage a patient’s condition, or which pathway to use and there is no obvious guidance or pathways built on DXS or Ardens, please use our Routine advice and guidance services

Please do not use the eRS A&G route for administrative queries, such as chasing results, arranging follow-up appointments, or expediting referrals. Instead, send these enquiries to the clinical admin teams. Contact details are available on the FHFT GP centre website or through these specific direct webpage links: 

Screenshot of DXS home page showing the location of the waiting time information  

Table 1 - FHFT - Average Waiting Time from Routine Referral Received to First Routine Outpatient Appointment (in weeks) - as at March 2026