- Address
- Watford, WD18 0HB
- Run by
- West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals 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 West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
70% waiting under 18 weeks. 44,482 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orthopaedics (bones and joints) | 16 weeks | 55% | 5,052 | 14 weeks longer |
| Cardiology | 10 weeks | 77% | 4,653 | 12 weeks shorter |
| Dermatology | 9 weeks | 85% | 3,612 | 10 weeks shorter |
| Ophthalmology (eyes) | 14 weeks | 62% | 3,386 | 10 weeks longer |
| General surgery | 16 weeks | 56% | 3,300 | 13 weeks longer |
| Gastroenterology | 9 weeks | 92% | 3,289 | 11 weeks shorter |
| Ear, nose and throat (ENT) | 19 weeks | 48% | 3,108 | 15 weeks longer |
| Oral surgery | 16 weeks | 55% | 2,837 | 16 weeks |
| Urology | 11 weeks | 75% | 2,717 | 12 weeks shorter |
| Gynaecology | 10 weeks | 71% | 2,162 | 14 weeks shorter |
| Respiratory medicine | 9 weeks | 89% | 1,431 | 10 weeks shorter |
| Neurology | 11 weeks | 80% | 1,317 | 13 weeks shorter |
| Rheumatology | 11 weeks | 75% | 973 | 10 weeks |
| Elderly medicine | 7 weeks | 96% | 46 | 7 weeks |
"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 West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, not just this hospital. Source: NHS England Referral to Treatment (RTT) waiting times, July 2026.
A&E waiting times
Across West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust's major A&E departments, August 2026 (8,036 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 Bushey Hospital | Spire Healthcare Limited | Good | 2.5 miles |
| The Clementine Churchill Hospital | Circle Health Group Limited | Good | 5.8 miles |
| Hendon Hospital | Circle Health Group Limited | Good | 9.2 miles |
| One Hatfield Hospital | One Healthcare | Good | 11 miles |
| Spire Harpenden Hospital | Spire Healthcare Limited | Good | 12 miles |
Straight-line distances from the centre of this hospital's postcode district.
What it costs to go private
| Treatment | Typical self-pay price | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 → |
| Cataract surgery | £2,000–£4,000 per eye | Price guide → |
| Inguinal hernia repair | £3,000–£5,500 | Price guide → |
UK-wide ranges from prices published by private hospitals. Ask any hospital above for a written quote.
Other NHS hospitals nearby
- Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow (6 miles)
- Hillingdon Hospital, Uxbridge (8 miles)
- Barnet Hospital, Barnet (9 miles)
- Ealing Hospital, Southall (9 miles)
- Central Middlesex Hospital, Park Royal (10 miles)
Questions and answers
How long are NHS waiting times at Watford General Hospital?
At West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Watford General Hospital, the typical (median) wait so far for people on the waiting list was 12 weeks across all specialties in July 2026, and 70% had waited under 18 weeks. Orthopaedics (bones and joints) had the most people waiting (5,052). These figures cover the whole of West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, so waits at this particular hospital may differ. See waiting times by specialty →
How long is the A&E wait at Watford General Hospital?
In August 2026, 78% of patients at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals 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 Watford General 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 Watford General Hospital?
The nearest private hospital we list is Spire Bushey Hospital, about 2 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.