The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust Waiting Times

The NHS waiting list at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust currently has 38,611 patients waiting for treatment, with a typical wait of around 12 weeks from GP referral. About 7 in 10 patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS target is 9 in 10), and 454 have been waiting over a year.

NHS Trust East of England Updated April 2026

Across all departments, most patients wait about 12 weeks

That's roughly nearly 3 months: 7 in 10 people are seen within 18 weeks. Waits at this hospital are about 7 weeks shorter than in April 2025.

12-month change

Then vs now at this hospital

Apr 25→Apr 26
Typical wait
11.7weeks
â–¼ -7 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
7in 10
â–² +16.5 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
39k
â–¼ -13k
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
454
â–¼ -1.9k
Been on the list for 12+ months

Hospital details

Address Hamstel Road, Harlow, CM20 1QX
Phone 01279 444455
Integrated Care Board NHS Hertfordshire And West Essex Integrated Care Board
Established 1995

Formerly known as

This trust was formed from or previously known as:

Princess Alexandra Hospital

Waiting time trend

Median wait across all departments at this hospital, month by month.

â–¼ -7 wks

Department waiting times

Cardiology

12 weeks
66% within 18 weeks

Dermatology

5 weeks
92% within 18 weeks

Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)

15 weeks
55% within 18 weeks

Geriatric Medicine

10 weeks
88% within 18 weeks

Gastroenterology

14 weeks
62% within 18 weeks

General Medicine

4 weeks
100% within 18 weeks

General Surgery

11 weeks
68% within 18 weeks

Gynaecology

10 weeks
67% within 18 weeks

Neurology

11 weeks
70% within 18 weeks

Ophthalmology (Eye Care)

11 weeks
67% within 18 weeks

Oral & Dental Surgery

17 weeks
50% within 18 weeks

Paediatrics

6 weeks
89% within 18 weeks

Respiratory Medicine

12 weeks
70% within 18 weeks

Rheumatology

12 weeks
65% within 18 weeks

Trauma & Orthopaedics

15 weeks
55% within 18 weeks

Urology

11 weeks
69% within 18 weeks

Hospital sites at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust operates the following NHS hospital sites. Waiting list figures on this page cover the trust as a whole.

Cheshunt Community Hospital Herts & Essex Community Hospital Princess Alexandra Hospital Princess Alexandra Private Hospital Saffron Walden Community Hospital St. Margaret's Hospital

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS waiting list at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust?

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust currently has about 38,611 patients on its NHS waiting list. The typical wait across all departments is around 12 weeks from GP referral, though this varies significantly by specialty.

Does The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust meet the NHS 18-week target?

About 7 in 10 patients at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust are currently seen within the 18-week referral-to-treatment target. The NHS constitutional standard is 9 in 10 (92%).

How do I contact The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust?

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust can be contacted via their main switchboard on 01279 444455. Ask to be connected to the relevant department or clinic.

Can I choose to be referred to this hospital?

Yes. Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England have the right to choose which hospital they are referred to for a first outpatient appointment. Discuss your options with your GP before accepting a referral.

Source: NHS England RTT statistics. about our methodology