NHS Whipps Cross Hospital Live A&E Waiting Times
Also known as: Whipps Cross, Whipps Cross University Hospital, Whipps Cross A&E, Whipps, Leytonstone Hospital
Last updated sourced from Barts Health NHS Trust
Hospital details
London, E11 1NR
About Whipps Cross Hospital
Whipps Cross University Hospital is a large district general and teaching hospital in Leytonstone, in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, operated by Barts Health NHS Trust. With around 636 beds, it serves roughly 350,000 people across Waltham Forest, Redbridge and Epping Forest and runs one of the busiest A&E departments in the country. The 24/7 adult Emergency Department is supported by a co-located urgent care centre, and the hospital provides a full range of general inpatient, day-case and outpatient services alongside specialist urology, ENT, audiology, cardiology, colorectal surgery, cancer care, acute stroke and maternity services. Founded as the West Ham Union Infirmary in 1903 and renamed Whipps Cross in 1917, the hospital joined Barts Health NHS Trust in 2012 and is set to be rebuilt under the New Hospital Programme, with construction estimated to begin in 2032-34. Current Whipps Cross Hospital A&E waiting times are tracked here in real time, sourced from Barts Health NHS Trust.
Emergency Department (A&E)
An Emergency Department (also called A&E) is the right place for life-threatening or serious conditions — chest pain, suspected stroke, heavy bleeding, severe breathing difficulty, major injury, or loss of consciousness. Whipps Cross also has a co-located urgent care centre for less serious problems. If you're unsure, call NHS 111 first; they can advise you and book you in if needed. In a true emergency, call 999.
Departments & Services
- Adult Emergency Department (24/7)
- Urgent Care Centre
- Acute Stroke Care
- Maternity Services
- Critical Care
- Urology
- ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat)
- Audiology
- Cardiology
- Colorectal Surgery
Whipps Cross Hospital A&E Wait Times in London — Last 24 Hours
| Hour | Avg. Wait | People Waiting |
|---|---|---|
Today, 3 PM | 7 hr 18 min+22% | 5−55% |
Today, 2 PM | 6 hr+5.3% | 11−45% |
Today, 1 PM | 5 hr 42 min | 20 |
Today, 12 PM | 5 hr 42 min | 20 |
Today, 11 AM | 5 hr 42 min | 20 |
Today, 10 AM | 5 hr 42 min | 20 |
Today, 9 AM | 5 hr 42 min | 20 |
Today, 8 AM | 5 hr 42 min | 20 |
Nearest A&E alternatives
See live A&E wait times at other NHS hospitals near Whipps Cross Hospital
How Whipps Cross Hospital compares to nearby hospitals
Within London, Whipps Cross University Hospital is one of several urgent and emergency care sites and sits inside the wider NHS England performance framework. National waiting-time data is published by NHS England against the current NHS England operational standard of admitting, transferring or discharging 78% of A&E attendances within four hours; live snapshots on this page are sourced separately from the trust's own published feeds, so the figures here can be more current than the headline national release.
For London residents, the practical question is rarely "is Whipps Cross Hospital fast?" but "compared to what?" Wait times at any single site can swing materially within a day, depending on staffing, ambulance arrivals and how full the wider hospital is. The nearest-alternatives section above lists the closest comparable sites, each with their own current wait — that side-by-side comparison is more useful than any single-site average.
For non-life-threatening issues, residents in London and surrounding London may also have access to a Minor Injuries Unit or Urgent Treatment Centre with shorter waits for less serious conditions. NHS 111 can confirm the appropriate service for your specific need before you travel.
Whipps Cross Hospital A&E — frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about waiting times and visiting this A&E.
What is the average A&E waiting time at Whipps Cross Hospital?
As of the latest update, the current A&E wait at Whipps Cross University Hospital is 438 minutes (about 7 hr 18 min). This figure is labelled "Live" — see the freshness badge next to the wait number for the exact source and timestamp. Wait times fluctuate throughout the day, so this may not be the exact time you wait.
What time is Whipps Cross Hospital A&E least busy?
Across most UK A&E departments, the quietest period is typically between 4am and 7am, with a secondary lull around mid-morning on weekdays. Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as Monday mornings, generally see the longest waits. Check the Wait History above to see the recent trends for Whipps Cross Hospital.
Is there a way to check A&E wait times for Whipps Cross Hospital?
Yes, you can check the live A&E waiting times for Whipps Cross University Hospital right here on this page. We update this data regularly based on the information provided by Barts Health NHS Trust.
How long can Whipps Cross Hospital A&E make you wait?
NHS England's interim recovery standard sets a target to admit, transfer, or discharge 78% of patients within 4 hours of arrival at A&E. However, wait times can be longer depending on the severity of your condition and how busy the department is. Patients with life-threatening emergencies are always prioritised.
How often are wait times updated at Whipps Cross Hospital?
The wait times for Whipps Cross University Hospital are updated based on the data feed from Barts Health NHS Trust. The exact time of the last update is shown at the top of this page.
What does 'Current Longest Wait Time' mean at Whipps Cross Hospital?
The 'Current Longest Wait Time' typically refers to the longest time any non-admitted patient has been waiting to be seen by a doctor or nurse practitioner after arriving at the A&E department. It gives an indication of the maximum wait you might experience for non-life-threatening conditions.
Is Whipps Cross Hospital A&E open 24 hours?
Yes. The A&E department at Whipps Cross University Hospital is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. If you have a life-threatening emergency, go directly to A&E or call 999. For non-urgent medical concerns, please call NHS 111 first.
How do I get to Whipps Cross Hospital?
Whipps Cross University Hospital is located at Whipps Cross Road, Leytonstone, London, E11 1NR. The A&E entrance is usually clearly signposted on arrival. If you need to contact them before travelling, the hospital switchboard is +44 2085 395522.