- Address
- Cardiff, CF14 4XW
- Run by
- Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
- Type
- Major/district general hospital
- Region
- Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Wales
Check waiting times ↓ A&E waits ↓ Map and reviews → Phone and opening details →
Waiting times at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
63% waiting under 26 weeks. 131,542 people on the list.
66% under 26 weeks. The Welsh Government's target is for 95% of patients to wait less than 26 weeks.
| Specialty | Typical wait | Under 26 weeks | People waiting | Wales average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orthopaedics (bones and joints) | 30 weeks | 46% | 14,090 | 30 weeks |
| General surgery | 22 weeks | 57% | 13,871 | 20 weeks longer |
| Ophthalmology (eyes) | 28 weeks | 47% | 10,701 | 23 weeks longer |
| Gastroenterology | 23 weeks | 57% | 9,025 | 18 weeks longer |
| Dermatology | 22 weeks | 54% | 8,343 | 13 weeks longer |
| Therapies (physio, OT and similar) | 4 weeks | 96% | 8,075 | 4 weeks |
| Gynaecology | 18 weeks | 67% | 7,890 | 18 weeks |
| Ear, nose and throat (ENT) | 20 weeks | 62% | 7,615 | 20 weeks |
| Cardiology | 23 weeks | 55% | 7,525 | 14 weeks longer |
| Diagnostic tests | 6 weeks | 96% | 7,260 | 5 weeks longer |
| Oral surgery | 22 weeks | 60% | 4,760 | 23 weeks shorter |
| Urology | 18 weeks | 66% | 3,553 | 18 weeks |
| General medicine | 17 weeks | 70% | 3,414 | 16 weeks longer |
| Paediatrics | 15 weeks | 74% | 3,358 | 10 weeks longer |
| Neurology | 23 weeks | 54% | 3,134 | 16 weeks longer |
| Rheumatology | 32 weeks | 43% | 2,585 | 20 weeks longer |
| Respiratory medicine | 10 weeks | 85% | 1,774 | 11 weeks shorter |
| Pain management | 18 weeks | 68% | 1,348 | 24 weeks shorter |
| Restorative dentistry | 21 weeks | 62% | 1,281 | 19 weeks longer |
| Haematology | 13 weeks | 73% | 1,253 | 9 weeks longer |
| Vascular surgery | 20 weeks | 59% | 1,204 | 16 weeks longer |
| Rehabilitation | 12 weeks | 93% | 1,170 | 13 weeks |
| Children's dentistry | 21 weeks | 60% | 1,105 | 21 weeks |
| Immunology and allergy | 17 weeks | 69% | 1,094 | 17 weeks |
| Dental medicine | 21 weeks | 61% | 1,025 | 21 weeks |
| Elderly medicine | 19 weeks | 63% | 1,007 | 12 weeks longer |
| Neurosurgery | 12 weeks | 83% | 1,002 | 12 weeks |
| Children's surgery | 15 weeks | 70% | 703 | 15 weeks |
| Endocrinology | 8 weeks | 97% | 658 | 14 weeks shorter |
| Cardiothoracic surgery | 14 weeks | 71% | 524 | 13 weeks longer |
| Clinical pharmacology | 21 weeks | 61% | 391 | 21 weeks |
| Nephrology | 9 weeks | 70% | 345 | 11 weeks shorter |
| Orthodontics | 13 weeks | 87% | 334 | 22 weeks shorter |
"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 Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, not just this hospital. Source: StatsWales, NHS waiting lists: referral to treatment, July 2026.
A&E waiting times
At this hospital's A&E, August 2026 (10,954 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: StatsWales, emergency department performance. In an emergency, call 999.
Nearest private hospitals
| Private hospital | Group | CQC rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spire Cardiff Hospital | Spire Healthcare | — | 2.2 miles |
| Priory Hospital Cardiff | Priory Group | — | 3.1 miles |
| Nuffield Health Cardiff Bay Hospital | Nuffield Health | — | 3.3 miles |
| Pinetree Court Hospital | Iris Care Group | — | 4.0 miles |
| Nuffield Health The Vale Hospital | Nuffield Health | — | 8.5 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
- University Hospital Llandough, Penarth (6 miles)
- Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant (9 miles)
- Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, Ystrad Mynach (9 miles)
- Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport (10 miles)
- The Grange University Hospital, Cwmbran (12 miles)
Questions and answers
How long are NHS waiting times at University Hospital of Wales?
At Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, which runs University Hospital of Wales, the typical (median) wait so far for people on the waiting list was 18 weeks across all specialties in July 2026, and 63% had waited under 26 weeks. Orthopaedics (bones and joints) had the most people waiting (14,090). These figures cover the whole of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, so waits at this particular hospital may differ. See waiting times by specialty →
How long is the A&E wait at University Hospital of Wales?
In August 2026, 55% of patients at this hospital 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 →
Where is the nearest private hospital to University Hospital of Wales?
The nearest private hospital we list is Spire Cardiff Hospital, about 2 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 Wales's NHS organisation data. Check with the hospital before you travel, as services and departments change.