NHS Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Referral Waiting Times in Sawbridgeworth

Rivers Hospital

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see an ENT specialist is

15 weeks

That's 3½ months

The NHS Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) waiting list at Rivers Hospital currently has 212 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 15 weeks from GP referral. About 6 in 10 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). Rivers Hospital is an Independent Sector provider in the East of England region. Waits at this hospital are about 1.5 weeks longer than in February 2025. It's slipped down 23 places in the national league for this department's; now 78 out of 156 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
14.8weeks
▲ +1.5 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
6in 10
No change
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
212
▲ +49
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
0
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
6 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
212
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
37 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
11 people
waiting for a surgery date
Already been told they need an operation

Wait time over time

Median wait for this department, with the national average as a dashed line.

▲ +1.5 wks

How long are people waiting?

Distribution of patients by how many weeks they've been on the waiting list.

How does this compare?

The national average wait to see an ENT specialist is about 14 weeks. This hospital is about the same as the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 78th out of 156 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 9th out of 20 in East of England

What does Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Tonsil removal (tonsillectomy)
Grommets for glue ear
Hearing loss assessment
Sinus surgery
Nasal polyp removal
Sleep apnoea treatment
Deviated septum correction
Ear infections
Voice and swallowing problems

Hospital contact

Main hospital switchboard. ask to be connected to the department.

High Wych Road, Sawbridgeworth, CM21 0HH
NHS Hertfordshire And West Essex Integrated Care Board

Patient experiences

People who used this department at this hospital.

No reviews yet. Be the first to leave one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) waiting list at Rivers Hospital?

Rivers Hospital currently has about 212 patients on its Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 15 weeks.

Does Rivers Hospital meet the NHS 18-week target for Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)?

About 62% of Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) patients at Rivers Hospital are currently seen within 18 weeks of GP referral. The NHS constitutional target is 92%.

Can I choose a different hospital if the Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) wait is too long?

Yes. Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England can ask their GP to refer them to any hospital that provides NHS care. Use WaitRadar to compare Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) waiting times at other NHS hospitals near you before accepting a referral.

This is informational data, not medical advice. Always discuss referral options with your GP. Full disclaimer.