- Address
- Brighton, BN2 5BE
- Run by
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
- Type
- Major/district general hospital
- Region
- South East, England
Check waiting times ↓ A&E waits ↓ Map and reviews → Phone and opening details →
Waiting times at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
53% waiting under 18 weeks. 117,217 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmology (eyes) | 17 weeks | 52% | 13,013 | 10 weeks longer |
| Gynaecology | 17 weeks | 52% | 11,059 | 14 weeks longer |
| Dermatology | 10 weeks | 61% | 8,825 | 10 weeks |
| Oral surgery | 22 weeks | 42% | 8,618 | 16 weeks longer |
| Ear, nose and throat (ENT) | 20 weeks | 46% | 8,148 | 15 weeks longer |
| Cardiology | 15 weeks | 56% | 7,988 | 12 weeks longer |
| Orthopaedics (bones and joints) | 19 weeks | 49% | 7,708 | 14 weeks longer |
| Urology | 16 weeks | 54% | 6,129 | 12 weeks longer |
| Gastroenterology | 16 weeks | 54% | 5,031 | 11 weeks longer |
| Neurology | 21 weeks | 45% | 4,789 | 13 weeks longer |
| General surgery | 27 weeks | 35% | 2,711 | 13 weeks longer |
| Respiratory medicine | 9 weeks | 78% | 1,656 | 10 weeks |
| Rheumatology | 13 weeks | 61% | 1,127 | 10 weeks longer |
| Neurosurgery | 15 weeks | 57% | 487 | 13 weeks longer |
| Elderly medicine | 12 weeks | 64% | 147 | 7 weeks longer |
| Cardiothoracic surgery | 10 weeks | 73% | 139 | 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 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, not just this hospital. Source: NHS England Referral to Treatment (RTT) waiting times, July 2026.
A&E waiting times
Across University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust's major A&E departments, August 2026 (30,088 attendances).
The NHS standard is 95% within 4 hours.
Share of patients who spent less than 4 hours in A&E from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge. Source: NHS England, A&E attendances and emergency admissions. In an emergency, call 999.
Nearest private hospitals
| Private hospital | Group | CQC rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital | Nuffield Health | Good | 0.0 miles |
| Spire Montefiore Hospital | Spire Healthcare Limited | Outstanding | 3.4 miles |
| The Montefiore Hospital | Spire Healthcare | Outstanding | 3.4 miles |
| Nuffield Health Haywards Heath Hospital | Nuffield Health | Good | 12 miles |
| Circle Worthing Hospital | Circle Health Group Limited | Good | 14 miles |
Straight-line distances from the centre of this hospital's postcode district.
What it costs to go private
| Treatment | Typical self-pay price | |
|---|---|---|
| Cataract surgery | £2,000–£4,000 per eye | Price guide → |
| Adult tonsillectomy | £2,500–£4,500 | Price guide → |
| MRI scan | £250–£700 per body part | Price guide → |
| Private consultant appointment | £150–£300 | Price guide → |
UK-wide ranges from prices published by private hospitals. Ask any hospital above for a written quote.
Other NHS hospitals nearby
- Worthing Hospital, Worthing (12 miles)
- Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath (12 miles)
- Eastbourne District General Hospital, Eastbourne (17 miles)
- Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Pembury (26 miles)
- East Surrey Hospital, Redhill (29 miles)
Questions and answers
How long are NHS waiting times at Royal Sussex County Hospital?
At University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Royal Sussex County Hospital, the typical (median) wait so far for people on the waiting list was 16 weeks across all specialties in July 2026, and 53% had waited under 18 weeks. Ophthalmology (eyes) had the most people waiting (13,013). These figures cover the whole of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, so waits at this particular hospital may differ. See waiting times by specialty →
How long is the A&E wait at Royal Sussex County Hospital?
In August 2026, 56% of patients at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust's major A&E departments spent less than 4 hours in A&E, against an NHS standard of 95%. If it's not an emergency, NHS 111 can tell you where to go. See A&E waiting times →
Can I choose to be treated at Royal Sussex County 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 Royal Sussex County Hospital?
The nearest private hospital we list is Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital, about less than 1 mile 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.