- Address
- Stevenage, SG1 4AB
- Run by
- East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
- Type
- Major/district general hospital
- Region
- East of England, England
Check waiting times ↓ A&E waits ↓ Map and reviews → Phone and opening details →
Waiting times at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
66% waiting under 18 weeks. 55,861 people on the list.
65% under 18 weeks. The NHS constitution standard is 92% within 18 weeks.
| Specialty | Typical wait | Under 18 weeks | People waiting | England average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ear, nose and throat (ENT) | 14 weeks | 58% | 5,808 | 15 weeks |
| Gynaecology | 12 weeks | 69% | 4,901 | 14 weeks shorter |
| Orthopaedics (bones and joints) | 19 weeks | 49% | 4,771 | 14 weeks longer |
| Urology | 14 weeks | 57% | 4,209 | 12 weeks longer |
| Cardiology | 8 weeks | 96% | 3,524 | 12 weeks shorter |
| Plastic surgery | 9 weeks | 74% | 3,088 | 14 weeks shorter |
| Ophthalmology (eyes) | 8 weeks | 78% | 2,615 | 10 weeks shorter |
| General surgery | 12 weeks | 68% | 2,137 | 13 weeks shorter |
| Gastroenterology | 12 weeks | 63% | 2,129 | 11 weeks |
| Dermatology | 14 weeks | 56% | 1,733 | 10 weeks longer |
| Rheumatology | 15 weeks | 57% | 1,396 | 10 weeks longer |
| Oral surgery | 22 weeks | 43% | 1,090 | 16 weeks longer |
| Respiratory medicine | 6 weeks | 93% | 969 | 10 weeks shorter |
| Neurology | 6 weeks | 93% | 748 | 13 weeks shorter |
| Cardiothoracic surgery | 7 weeks | 89% | 157 | 10 weeks shorter |
| Elderly medicine | 9 weeks | 80% | 153 | 7 weeks longer |
| General medicine | 3 weeks | 98% | 50 | 10 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 East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, not just this hospital. Source: NHS England Referral to Treatment (RTT) waiting times, July 2026.
A&E waiting times
Across East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust's major A&E departments, August 2026 (8,854 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: NHS England, A&E attendances and emergency admissions. In an emergency, call 999.
Nearest private hospitals
| Private hospital | Group | CQC rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spire Harpenden Hospital | Spire Healthcare Limited | Good | 9.5 miles |
| One Hatfield Hospital | One Healthcare | Good | 11 miles |
| Rivers Hospital | Ramsay Health Care UK Operations Limited | Good | 16 miles |
| Kings Oak Hospital | Circle Health Group Limited | Good | 18 miles |
| The Cavell Hospital | Circle Health Group Limited | Good | 18 miles |
Straight-line distances from the centre of this hospital's postcode district.
What it costs to go private
| Treatment | Typical self-pay price | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult tonsillectomy | £2,500–£4,500 | Price guide → |
| 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 → |
| MRI scan | £250–£700 per body part | Price guide → |
UK-wide ranges from prices published by private hospitals. Ask any hospital above for a written quote.
Other NHS hospitals nearby
- Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, Luton (12 miles)
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow (16 miles)
- Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield (18 miles)
- Barnet Hospital, Barnet (18 miles)
- Bedford Hospital, Bedford (19 miles)
Questions and answers
How long are NHS waiting times at Lister Hospital?
At East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, which runs Lister Hospital, the typical (median) wait so far for people on the waiting list was 12 weeks across all specialties in July 2026, and 66% had waited under 18 weeks. Ear, nose and throat (ENT) had the most people waiting (5,808). These figures cover the whole of East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, so waits at this particular hospital may differ. See waiting times by specialty →
How long is the A&E wait at Lister Hospital?
In August 2026, 52% of patients at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust's major A&E departments 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 →
Can I choose to be treated at Lister Hospital?
In England you usually have a legal right to choose which hospital you're referred to for your first outpatient appointment with a consultant, if you need non-urgent treatment. Ask your GP to refer you, or use the NHS App to compare options.
Where is the nearest private hospital to Lister Hospital?
The nearest private hospital we list is Spire Harpenden Hospital, about 9 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 England's NHS organisation data. Check with the hospital before you travel, as services and departments change.