Derriford Hospital — Current A&E Queue

Check hoursPlymouthAE

Last updated just now · sourced from University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Typical Time in Department (AE)

minutes · ~ 1 hr 21 min

-136 min vs previous reading

Patients Waiting

Total in Dept

Source:University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust A&E Waiting Times

About Derriford Hospital

Derriford Hospital is the largest hospital in the South West Peninsula, located in the Derriford area of Plymouth, Devon. Part of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, the hospital is a major trauma centre for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, serving a population of approximately 450,000 for local services and 2 million for specialist care. The Emergency Department handles over 100,000 attendances per year. Derriford is a teaching hospital with links to Plymouth University and is a major centre for neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and kidney transplantation. The hospital has approximately 900 beds.

Hospital details

City: Plymouth
NHS Trust: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Type: Accident & Emergency (Type 1)

Derriford Hospital A&E Wait Times — Last 24 Hours

Time	Typical Time in Dept	Change	Patients	Total in Dept
just now08:37	1 hr 21 min	-136 min(-63%)	8	51
19 min ago08:18	3 hr 37 min	+45 min(+26%)	7	50
1h ago07:36	2 hr 52 min	+30 min(+21%)	7	50
1h ago07:13	2 hr 22 min	-51 min(-26%)	3	49
1h ago06:48	3 hr 13 min	+15 min(+8%)	6	49
2h ago06:25	2 hr 58 min	-318 min(-64%)	6	50
3h ago05:37	8 hr 16 min	+15 min(+3%)	12	60
3h ago05:13	8 hr 1 min	+45 min(+10%)	11	59
4h ago04:37	7 hr 16 min	-36 min(-8%)	15	61
4h ago04:14	7 hr 52 min	+8 min(+2%)	16	62
5h ago03:36	7 hr 44 min	+15 min(+3%)	19	68
5h ago03:14	7 hr 29 min	-13 min(-3%)	20	70

Derriford Hospital in context

The latest reading puts Derriford Hospital at roughly 1 hr 21 min. Across South West the typical figure is around 46 min. That puts this department noticeably above the area norm — the nearby-alternatives panel may show a shorter queue.

Wondering whether you actually need A&E?

Common Questions About Derriford Hospital

How long is the queue at Derriford Hospital right now?

The most recent figure shows roughly 1 hr 21 min (81 minutes) at Derriford Hospital's A&E. This is pulled from the trust's public dashboard and refreshes regularly, but the actual time you wait will depend on how urgently you need treatment and how busy the department is when you arrive.

What are Derriford Hospital's opening hours?

Derriford Hospital is open: contact the hospital for confirmed hours. If you need care outside those hours, dial 111 for advice on the nearest open department.

Do I actually need A&E, or could a UTC near Plymouth be faster?

A&E at Derriford Hospital is the right place for anything that could be life-threatening — chest pain, stroke symptoms, uncontrolled bleeding, serious breathing problems or major injuries. For less severe issues (sprains, small cuts, minor fractures, bites, burns), a nearby Urgent Treatment Centre will almost always see you sooner. If you are unsure, ring 111 — they can point you to the best service and sometimes book you a timed slot.

How do I get to Derriford Hospital?

Derriford Hospital is in Plymouth. Use the location search on this site to see the distance from where you are and compare it against other departments nearby.

When is Derriford Hospital A&E typically quietest?

Nationally, emergency departments see the fewest arrivals between about 6 am and 9 am. Demand tends to peak on Monday mornings, weekday evenings after 6 pm, and on Friday and Saturday nights. Arriving during a quieter window — if your condition allows it — can noticeably cut the time you spend waiting.