Knee replacement waiting times in private care just weeks away

You can usually get knee replacement surgery privately in the UK in four to six weeks. This is much faster than NHS services, where knee replacement waiting times can be up to 18 months. Many people experience significant pain and limited mobility while they wait. If you wait less time, you can heal sooner and feel better in your daily life.

NHS waiting times for knee replacements may be 18 months, but private choices are often only weeks.

Key Takeaways

• You can book private knee replacement surgery in four to six weeks. This helps you recover faster and feel less pain.

• Private hospitals usually have shorter waiting times. There are fewer patients and more surgeons to help you.

• It is important to get ready. Bring all your medical records to your meeting. This will help make things go faster.

• Private care often means fewer problems after surgery. You may also stay in hospital for less time than with NHS care.

• Look up hospitals and surgeons before you choose. This helps you find the best place for your knee replacement surgery.

Knee replacement waiting times: private vs NHS

Private care timeframes

Private care lets you get knee replacement surgery much faster. Most private hospitals in the UK can do the surgery in four to six weeks. This means you do not have to wait long in pain. You can begin to get better sooner. The steps are easy. First, you book a meeting. Next, you talk to your surgeon. Then, you set a date for your surgery.

Here is a simple table that shows how long you might wait for private knee replacement surgery in big UK cities:

Private hospitals can offer more choices for dates. You can pick a time that works for you. Surgeons in private hospitals see fewer patients. This means you do not have to wait in long lines. Many private hospitals are in richer areas. This can make it easier for some people to get care.

NHS waiting periods

NHS waiting times for knee replacement surgery are much longer. Many people wait months. Some people wait more than a year. The average wait for knee replacements in England is now 142 days. Sometimes, you might wait up to 18 months. In other countries, like Italy, people wait less than 50 days.

There are a few reasons why NHS waiting times are so long:

• The NHS has fewer beds and not as many staff as other countries.

• Years of not enough money for hospitals have made things harder.

• The waiting list for hospital treatments, including knee replacements, is now 7.6 million in England.

• COVID-19 made the problem worse. The waiting list grew to 7.8 million in September 2023.

You can see that private care is much quicker than NHS care for knee replacements. Private hospitals have more staff, fewer patients per doctor, and more flexible dates. NHS hospitals near private ones sometimes have even longer waits. Studies show that people in richer areas often wait less time, as private hospitals are usually there.

Picking private care can help you get surgery faster and start feeling better sooner.

Waiting for knee replacement: factors affecting speed

Hospital and location

The hospital you pick can change how long you wait. Some hospitals are known for knee replacements and have high patient scores. These places often get more people who want good care. Some hospitals use fast-track systems to help you get treatment quickly. Not every hospital has these systems.

Where you live is important too. People in cities might wait longer than those in the countryside. Teaching hospitals sometimes have longer waits than smaller ones. How many knee replacements a hospital does each year can also matter.

• Hospitals with happy patients get more people.

• Special centres for knee replacements can be faster.

• City hospitals may have longer waits than country ones.

• Teaching hospitals can have longer lines than small hospitals.

The price of knee replacement surgery is not the same everywhere. In London, private hospitals charge £11,000 to £15,000. In other places, it costs £9,000 to £12,000. The kind of surgery changes the price. Total knee replacement costs more than partial knee replacement.

Surgeon availability

How busy the surgeon is can change your wait time. Private hospitals often have experts with lots of experience. You can sometimes get an appointment the same day or the next day. This helps you get care quickly.

If your surgeon is very busy, you might have to wait longer. Some hospitals have more surgeons, so you could get surgery sooner.

Patient readiness

How ready you are can change how long you wait. If you are ready, you can book your surgery right away. Some people need more health checks before surgery. Others wait because of family or work.

Some reasons for waiting are orthostatic intolerance, pain after surgery, age, and education. Sometimes, you might feel unsure about having knee replacements. Good advice can help you decide.

Tip: If you get ready and pick the right hospital and surgeon, you can wait less for knee replacement and start getting better sooner.

Accessing knee replacement surgery privately

If you want your knee fixed quickly, private healthcare can help. You can get knee replacement surgery in a few easy steps. This means you will not be in pain for long. You can get back to your normal life sooner.

Booking a consultation

You begin by booking a meeting with a specialist. This step is fast and simple. Here is what you do:

1. Contact the enquiry team at your chosen hospital, like HMT Sancta Maria Hospital.

2. Call the hospital to book a private appointment with an orthopaedic consultant.

3. Go to the hospital or clinic website, such as Manchester Hip and Knee Clinic, to arrange your meeting.

4. Talk about your treatment choices, costs, and any tests you may need with your consultant.

5. Get a written note that shows the fixed cost for your joint replacement surgery.

You should bring some important papers to your meeting. These are your doctor’s notes, records of your pain and disability, and any X-rays or scans. You also need a list of medicines you take and details of treatments you have tried before.

Tip: If you bring all your records, your consultant can understand your needs better and help you get joint replacement surgery faster.

Preparing for surgery

After you have your surgery date, you need to get ready. Good preparation helps you heal faster and lowers the chance of problems. Here are some things you should do:

• Use a smartphone app for exercises before surgery to build strength.

• Finish all needed tests, like blood and urine samples.

• Ask your doctor which medicines or supplements to stop before surgery.

• Go to a pre-surgery class to learn what will happen during knee replacement surgery.

• Make changes at home, such as removing loose rugs and putting up safety bars, to help you recover.

• Fix any dental problems before your operation.

• Stop smoking to help your body heal better.

You will also have a full health check and an anaesthesia review before your joint replacement surgery. Your doctor will make sure you are healthy enough for the operation and answer any questions you have.

Private healthcare lets you get joint replacement surgery with top surgeons and shorter waiting times. Studies show patients in private hospitals have fewer infections and problems after knee replacement surgery. You get more personal care and support at every step.

If you choose private healthcare, you can get joint replacement surgery quickly and safely, with expert care all the way.

You can get knee replacement surgery privately in just a few weeks. This is much faster than waiting for NHS care. Quick surgery can help you feel better and save money. It can also make your life easier. To get private care fast, look for good surgeons. Check what people say about hospitals. Book a meeting with a specialist. Many people who choose private knee replacement stay in hospital for less time. They are less likely to go back to hospital soon after.

If you want advice that fits you, talk to private hospitals or experts. Private knee replacement surgery can help you get back to normal life sooner. You may also feel more sure about your recovery.

FAQ

How soon can you book a private knee replacement surgery?

You can often book your surgery in four to six weeks. Some hospitals might have even quicker dates. You should call your hospital to find out what is available now.

What does private knee replacement surgery cost?

Most private hospitals charge between £10,000 and £15,000 for surgery. The cost changes depending on where you live and the type of surgery. After you meet your doctor, you will get a set price.

Does private health insurance cover knee replacement surgery?

Many insurance plans pay for knee replacement surgery. You need to look at your policy to be sure. Some plans want a letter from your GP first. Always check with your insurer before you book.

How long will you stay in hospital after private knee replacement?

Most people stay in hospital for one to three days after surgery. If you get better quickly, you might go home sooner. Your doctor will tell you what is best for you.

What can you do to prepare for private knee replacement surgery?

Tip: Do leg exercises to get stronger, go to classes before surgery, and make your home safe for when you come back. Bring your health records and a list of your medicines to your meeting. This helps your doctor plan your care.

See Also

Private Care Vs NHS: Essential Insights For Patients

Ways To Bypass NHS Waiting Lists For Elective Surgery

The Rise Of Private Orthopaedic Care Among Patients In 2025

Practical Strategies To Minimise NHS Waiting Times

A Guide To Navigating NHS Physiotherapy Waiting Lists