- Address
- Barnard Castle, DL12 8HT
- Run by
- County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
- Type
- Community hospital
- Region
- North East, England
Check waiting times ↓ Map and reviews → Phone and opening details →
Waiting times at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
65% waiting under 18 weeks. 54,409 people on the list.
65% under 18 weeks. The NHS constitution standard is 92% within 18 weeks.
| Specialty | Typical wait | Under 18 weeks | People waiting | England average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orthopaedics (bones and joints) | 8 weeks | 75% | 10,845 | 14 weeks shorter |
| General surgery | 12 weeks | 61% | 6,487 | 13 weeks |
| Dermatology | 15 weeks | 55% | 5,886 | 10 weeks longer |
| Gynaecology | 12 weeks | 64% | 4,896 | 14 weeks shorter |
| Ear, nose and throat (ENT) | 11 weeks | 70% | 3,866 | 15 weeks shorter |
| Gastroenterology | 14 weeks | 59% | 3,578 | 11 weeks longer |
| Ophthalmology (eyes) | 11 weeks | 68% | 3,241 | 10 weeks |
| General medicine | 12 weeks | 64% | 1,905 | 10 weeks longer |
| Rheumatology | 20 weeks | 46% | 1,890 | 10 weeks longer |
| Plastic surgery | 12 weeks | 64% | 1,559 | 14 weeks shorter |
| Respiratory medicine | 12 weeks | 66% | 1,484 | 10 weeks longer |
| Cardiology | 7 weeks | 86% | 1,313 | 12 weeks shorter |
| Oral surgery | 13 weeks | 63% | 766 | 16 weeks shorter |
| Elderly medicine | 7 weeks | 89% | 425 | 7 weeks |
| Cardiothoracic surgery | 10 weeks | 61% | 31 | 10 weeks |
"Typical wait" is the median time people currently on the waiting list have waited so far, from referral, for consultant-led treatment. Figures cover the whole of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, not just this hospital. Source: NHS England Referral to Treatment (RTT) waiting times, July 2026.
Nearest private hospitals
| Private hospital | Group | CQC rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodlands Hospital | Circle Health Group Limited | Good | 18 miles |
| Nuffield Health Tees Hospital | Nuffield Health | Good | 27 miles |
| Spire Washington Hospital | Spire Healthcare | Good | 29 miles |
| Tees Valley Treatment Centre | Ramsay Health Care UK Operations Limited | Good | 29 miles |
| Nuffield Health Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital | Nuffield Health | Good | 32 miles |
Straight-line distances from the centre of this hospital's postcode district.
What it costs to go private
| Treatment | Typical self-pay price | |
|---|---|---|
| Hip replacement | £13,000–£19,000 | Price guide → |
| Knee replacement | £13,500–£20,000 | Price guide → |
| Knee arthroscopy | £3,500–£6,500 | Price guide → |
| Carpal tunnel release | £1,800–£3,300 per hand | Price guide → |
| Inguinal hernia repair | £3,000–£5,500 | Price guide → |
| Gallbladder removal | £6,500–£10,500 | Price guide → |
UK-wide ranges from prices published by private hospitals. Ask any hospital above for a written quote.
Other NHS hospitals nearby
- Bishop Auckland Hospital, Bishop Auckland (13 miles)
- Darlington Memorial Hospital, Darlington (17 miles)
- University Hospital of North Durham, Durham (22 miles)
- University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton-on-Tees (26 miles)
- Friarage Hospital, Northallerton (28 miles)
Questions and answers
How long are NHS waiting times at Richardson Community Hospital?
At County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Richardson Community Hospital, the typical (median) wait so far for people on the waiting list was 12 weeks across all specialties in July 2026, and 65% had waited under 18 weeks. Orthopaedics (bones and joints) had the most people waiting (10,845). These figures cover the whole of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, so waits at this particular hospital may differ. See waiting times by specialty →
Can I choose to be treated at Richardson Community Hospital?
In England you usually have a legal right to choose which hospital you're referred to for your first outpatient appointment with a consultant, if you need non-urgent treatment. Ask your GP to refer you, or use the NHS App to compare options.
Where is the nearest private hospital to Richardson Community Hospital?
The nearest private hospital we list is Woodlands Hospital, about 18 miles away by straight-line distance. There are 5 private hospitals within 40 miles on this page. See the nearest private hospitals →
Can I pay to go private instead of waiting?
Yes. You can pay for a private consultation or treatment yourself, or use health insurance if you have it and the condition started after your cover began. You can usually go back to the NHS waiting list afterwards if you want to. Our price guides show typical self-pay costs.
Hospital details come from England's NHS organisation data. Check with the hospital before you travel, as services and departments change.