NHS University Hospital of Wales Live A&E Waiting Times
Also known as: University Hospital of Wales, UHW, Heath Hospital, Cardiff Heath Hospital, UHW Cardiff, UHW A&E, Cardiff A&E, Ysbyty Athrofaol Cymru
Last updated sourced from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Currently Closed
This Emergency Department is currently closed. Please check back during opening hours shown below.
Hospital details
Cardiff, CF14 4XW
About University Hospital of Wales
The University Hospital of Wales (UHW), known locally as the Heath Hospital, is the largest hospital in Wales and the third-largest university hospital in the UK, located on Heath Park Way in Cardiff and operated by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. With around 1,080 beds — plus up to 400 additional surge beds in the Lakeside Wing opened in 2021 — it serves Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan as a district general hospital and the whole of South, Mid and West Wales for specialist services, and has been the designated Major Trauma Centre for South Wales since September 2020. The 24/7 Emergency Unit operates a "Phone First" model — walk-ins are not accepted, so call CAV 24/7 on 111 (option 0) before attending; for life- or limb-threatening emergencies always call 999. The site also hosts cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosciences and neurosurgery, the only adult kidney transplant centre in Wales, consultant-led maternity, paediatrics and a full cancer service. Current University Hospital of Wales A&E waiting times are tracked here in real time, sourced from the NHS Wales feed and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
Emergency Department (A&E)
The Emergency Unit (EU) at the University Hospital of Wales operates a Phone First system: it does not accept walk-ins. If you think you need EU and it is not life- or limb-threatening, call CAV 24/7 on 111 first. They will assess your symptoms and book you in if needed. For life-threatening emergencies (chest pain, suspected stroke, severe bleeding, breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness), call 999.
Departments & Services
- Emergency Unit (24/7, Phone First — call 111 option 0)
- Major Trauma Centre (South Wales, since Sept 2020)
- Acute Medicine
- Acute Surgery
- Critical Care
- Cardiology
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Neurosciences and Neurosurgery
- Stroke Services
- Kidney Transplant Centre (only one in Wales)
Recent Wait Time Updates
| Date & Time | Wait Time | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 25 Apr02:51 | 229 mins | +12% |
| Sat 25 Apr01:51 | 205 mins | +18% |
| Sat 25 Apr00:51 | 174 mins | +12% |
| Fri 24 Apr23:51 | 155 mins | ±-1.3% |
| Fri 24 Apr22:51 | 157 mins | −9.8% |
Nearest A&E alternatives
See live A&E wait times at other NHS hospitals near University Hospital of Wales
How University Hospital of Wales compares to nearby hospitals
Within Wales, University Hospital of Wales is one of several urgent and emergency care sites and sits inside the wider NHS Wales performance framework. National waiting-time data is published by StatsWales against the Welsh Government's standard that 95% of A&E attendances should be admitted, transferred or discharged 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 Cardiff residents, the practical question is rarely "is University Hospital of Wales 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 Cardiff and surrounding Wales may also have access to a Minor Injuries Unit or Urgent Treatment Centre with shorter waits for less serious conditions. NHS 111 Wales can confirm the appropriate service for your specific need before you travel.
University Hospital of Wales 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 University Hospital of Wales?
As of the latest update, the current A&E wait at University Hospital of Wales is currently unavailable. 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 University Hospital of Wales 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 University Hospital of Wales.
Is there a way to check A&E wait times for University Hospital of Wales?
Yes, you can check the live A&E waiting times for University Hospital of Wales right here on this page. We update this data regularly based on the information provided by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
How long can University Hospital of Wales A&E make you wait?
NHS Wales sets a target to admit, transfer, or discharge 95% 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 University Hospital of Wales?
The wait times for University Hospital of Wales are updated based on the data feed from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. The exact time of the last update is shown at the top of this page.
What does 'Current Longest Wait Time' mean at University Hospital of Wales?
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 University Hospital of Wales A&E open 24 hours?
Yes. The A&E department at University Hospital of Wales 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 University Hospital of Wales?
University Hospital of Wales is located at Heath Park Way, Cardiff, CF14 4XW. The A&E entrance is usually clearly signposted on arrival. If you need to contact them before travelling, the hospital switchboard is +44 2920 747747.