Wales diagnostics data for August 2026, published 22 October 2026
MRI waiting times in Cardiff
Waiting times for MRI scans at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, which serves Cardiff, Wales.
These are Wales figures, not NHS England data. Health services in Wales are run separately and publish their own statistics, which use different definitions. Figures here come from StatsWales and the Welsh Government NHS activity and performance summary.
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to make detailed pictures of organs, joints, the brain and spine. It does not use X-rays.
At the end of the month (August 2026), 4,027 people were waiting for an MRI scan at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, of whom 1,694 (42.1%) had waited more than 8 weeks. Across Wales the figure was 26.8%; a lower percentage is better. Welsh diagnostic figures use an 8-week measure (people waiting more than 8 weeks), not the 6-week measure used in England and Scotland, so the numbers are not directly comparable.
Cardiff and Vale UHB: % waiting over 8 weeks for MRI Wales
| Month | Cardiff and Vale UHB % over 8 weeks | Wales % over 8 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | 42.1% | 26.8% |
| July 2026 | 39.2% | 24.3% |
| June 2026 | 32.6% | 28.9% |
| May 2026 | 28.6% | 25.3% |
| April 2026 | 23.6% | 16.6% |
| March 2026 | 23.4% | 15.8% |
| February 2026 | 30.2% | 22.7% |
| Health board | % over 8 weeks |
|---|---|
| Swansea Bay University Health Board | 6.6% |
| Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board | 9.0% |
| Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board | 9.7% |
| Aneurin Bevan University Health Board | 16.3% |
| Cardiff and Vale University Health Board | 42.1% |
| Hywel Dda University Health Board | 45.5% |
MRI waits in nearby towns
| Nearby town | Distance | Main trust or board | MRI waiting over 8 weeks | Waiting list |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport | 10 miles | Aneurin Bevan University Health Board | 16.3% | 3,135 |
| Pontypridd | 11 miles | Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board | 9.0% | 2,700 |
| Swansea | 34 miles | Swansea Bay University Health Board | 6.6% | 2,152 |
| Flint | 122 miles | Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board | 9.7% | 1,381 |
| Bangor (Gwynedd) | 127 miles | Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board | 9.7% | 1,381 |
More for Cardiff: all waiting times · CT · Ultrasound · Endoscopy. England comparison: MRI waiting times in England.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the wait for an MRI scan in Cardiff?
42.1% of the 4,027 people waiting at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board had waited more than 8 weeks (August 2026), compared with 26.8% across Wales.
Why is this not the same measure as England?
Welsh diagnostic figures use an 8-week measure (people waiting more than 8 weeks), not the 6-week measure used in England and Scotland, so the numbers are not directly comparable. England reports the share waiting under 6 weeks from NHS England’s DM01 return.
Where do these figures come from?
From StatsWales and the Welsh Government NHS activity and performance summary, published under the Open Government Licence.