NHS Paediatrics Referral Waiting Times in Watford

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see a paediatrician is

16 weeks

That's nearly 4 months

The NHS Paediatrics waiting list at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust currently has 1,600 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 16 weeks from GP referral. About 5 in 10 Paediatrics patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 17 have been waiting over a year. West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is an NHS Trust in the East of England region. Waits at this hospital are about 2.2 weeks longer than in February 2025. It's slipped down 28 places in the national league for this department's; now 106 out of 118 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
16.5weeks
▲ +2.2 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
5in 10
▼ -6.6 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
1.6k
▲ +295
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
17
▲ +16
Been on the list for 12+ months
5 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
1,600
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
35 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
17 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months

Wait time over time

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

▲ +2.2 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 a paediatrician is about 12 weeks. This hospital is slower than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 106th out of 118 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 10th out of 12 in East of England

What does Paediatrics cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Developmental assessments
Childhood asthma
Growth concerns
Behavioural assessments (ADHD, autism)
Paediatric allergies
Childhood eczema
Recurrent infections
Bed-wetting (enuresis)

Hospital contact

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

Trust Offices, Watford, WD18 0HB
01923 244366
NHS Hertfordshire And West Essex Integrated Care Board

Patient experiences

People who used this department at this hospital.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS Paediatrics waiting list at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust?

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust currently has about 1,600 patients on its Paediatrics waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 16 weeks.

Does West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Paediatrics?

About 54% of Paediatrics patients at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust are currently seen within 18 weeks of GP referral. The NHS constitutional target is 92%.

Can I choose a different hospital if the Paediatrics 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 Paediatrics 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.