NHS Cumberland Infirmary Live A&E Waiting Times
Also known as: Cumberland Infirmary Carlisle, Carlisle A&E, Carlisle Hospital, CIC
Last updated sourced from North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Hospital details
Carlisle, CA2 7HY
About Cumberland Infirmary
Cumberland Infirmary is an acute district general hospital on Newtown Road in Carlisle, operated by North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. It is the main acute site for north and east Cumbria, serving Carlisle, Penrith, the Eden Valley and the Solway coast, and acts as a Trauma Unit for patients who cannot bypass to the regional Major Trauma Centre at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. The 24/7 Emergency Department sits alongside maternity, a 9-bed Intensive Care Unit, paediatrics, stroke services, cardiology, and the on-site cancer centre opened in 2021. Current Cumberland Infirmary A&E waiting times are tracked here in real time, sourced from the NHS England feed and the trust.
Emergency Department (A&E)
An Emergency Department (also called A&E) is the right place for life-threatening or serious conditions - chest pain, suspected stroke, heavy bleeding, severe breathing difficulty, major injury, or loss of consciousness. If you're unsure, call NHS 111 first; they can advise you and book you in if needed. In a true emergency, call 999.
Departments & Services
- Emergency Department (24/7)
- Acute Medicine
- Acute Surgery
- Intensive Care Unit (9 beds)
- Maternity Services
- Paediatrics
- Stroke Services
- Cardiology
- Cancer Centre (opened 2021)
- General Surgery
Recent Wait Time Updates
| Date & Time | Wait Time | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 25 Apr01:48 | 240 mins | ±0.0% |
| Sat 25 Apr00:48 | 240 mins | +14% |
| Fri 24 Apr23:48 | 210 mins | ±0.0% |
| Fri 24 Apr22:48 | 210 mins | +17% |
| Fri 24 Apr21:48 | 180 mins | ±0.0% |
Nearest A&E alternatives
See live A&E wait times at other NHS hospitals near Cumberland Infirmary
How Cumberland Infirmary compares to nearby hospitals
Within North West, Cumberland Infirmary is one of several urgent and emergency care sites and sits inside the wider NHS England performance framework. National waiting-time data is published by NHS England against the current NHS England operational standard of admitting, transferring or discharging 78% of A&E attendances within four hours; live snapshots on this page are sourced separately from the trust's own published feeds, so the figures here can be more current than the headline national release.
For Carlisle residents, the practical question is rarely "is Cumberland Infirmary fast?" but "compared to what?" Wait times at any single site can swing materially within a day, depending on staffing, ambulance arrivals and how full the wider hospital is. The nearest-alternatives section above lists the closest comparable sites, each with their own current wait — that side-by-side comparison is more useful than any single-site average.
For non-life-threatening issues, residents in Carlisle and surrounding North West may also have access to a Minor Injuries Unit or Urgent Treatment Centre with shorter waits for less serious conditions. NHS 111 can confirm the appropriate service for your specific need before you travel.
Cumberland Infirmary A&E — frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about waiting times and visiting this A&E.
What is the average A&E waiting time at Cumberland Infirmary?
As of the latest update, the current A&E wait at Cumberland Infirmary is 240 minutes (about 4 hr). This figure is labelled "Live" — see the freshness badge next to the wait number for the exact source and timestamp. Wait times fluctuate throughout the day, so this may not be the exact time you wait.
What time is Cumberland Infirmary A&E least busy?
Across most UK A&E departments, the quietest period is typically between 4am and 7am, with a secondary lull around mid-morning on weekdays. Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as Monday mornings, generally see the longest waits. Check the Wait History above to see the recent trends for Cumberland Infirmary.
Is there a way to check A&E wait times for Cumberland Infirmary?
Yes, you can check the live A&E waiting times for Cumberland Infirmary right here on this page. We update this data regularly based on the information provided by North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.
How long can Cumberland Infirmary A&E make you wait?
NHS England's interim recovery standard sets a target to admit, transfer, or discharge 78% of patients within 4 hours of arrival at A&E. However, wait times can be longer depending on the severity of your condition and how busy the department is. Patients with life-threatening emergencies are always prioritised.
How often are wait times updated at Cumberland Infirmary?
The wait times for Cumberland Infirmary are updated based on the data feed from North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. The exact time of the last update is shown at the top of this page.
What does 'Current Longest Wait Time' mean at Cumberland Infirmary?
The 'Current Longest Wait Time' typically refers to the longest time any non-admitted patient has been waiting to be seen by a doctor or nurse practitioner after arriving at the A&E department. It gives an indication of the maximum wait you might experience for non-life-threatening conditions.
Is Cumberland Infirmary A&E open 24 hours?
Yes. The A&E department at Cumberland Infirmary is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. If you have a life-threatening emergency, go directly to A&E or call 999. For non-urgent medical concerns, please call NHS 111 first.
How do I get to Cumberland Infirmary?
Cumberland Infirmary is located at Newtown Road, Carlisle, CA2 7HY. The A&E entrance is usually clearly signposted on arrival. If you need to contact them before travelling, the hospital switchboard is +44 1228 523444.