West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has surged nearly 100 places in just two years to claim the 7th spot in NHS England’s league tables for Accident and Emergency (A&E) waiting times
This achievement marks a significant milestone for West Herts Teaching Hospitals, which serves a population of over 600,000 across Hertfordshire, north London.
The league table for Accident and Emergency waiting times
Two years ago, West Herts was positioned at 102nd place in these rankings, showing the improvement in their A&E services. The latest data from NHS England reveals that 82.6% of the Trust’s A&E patients were seen within the crucial four-hour target timeframe. This performance exceeds the national target of 78% and underscores the Trust’s commitment to swift and effective patient care.
The improvement in waiting times is particularly significant with increased demand for services. In June 2024, 14,168 patients received treatment within four hours, an increase from 9,461 patients in June 2022. This achievement is attributed to a concerted effort by clinical teams who adopted a comprehensive ‘whole hospital’ approach to enhance patient flow throughout the hospital.
Reduced waiting times
Matthew Coats, Chief Executive of West Herts, expressed pride in the collective effort of the Trust’s staff, emphasising their dedication, skill, and teamwork. He highlighted the adoption of innovative solutions such as the award-winning virtual hospital, which has significantly reduced bed occupancy by enabling remote monitoring and care for patients at home.
Reduced waiting times in A&E not only enhance patient convenience but also contribute to improved health outcomes. Studies consistently show that quicker assessment and treatment in emergency settings lead to lower mortality rates and better overall patient satisfaction.
Despite this, Coats emphasised that there is more work to be done. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges and reiterated the Trust’s commitment to continuous improvement in patient care.
West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust operates across three main sites, Watford General, St Albans City, and Hemel Hempstead hospitals, and employs approximately 5,000 staff and volunteers. The Trust’s catchment area spans over 500,000 people, making it one of the largest healthcare providers in the region.
For media inquiries or further information, the communications team can be contacted at 01923 436280 or via email at westherts.communications@nhs.net. Out of hours inquiries can be directed to the Watford General Hospital switchboard at 01923 244366, asking for the on-call communications manager.
