How long is the NHS wait for hernia repair in the B4 postcode?

Patients living in the B4 postcode (Aston (B4)) are typically referred to University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust or Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust. The current median NHS wait for hernia repair across these trusts is approximately 16 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 38 weeks. NHS England publishes wait times at the trust level, not the outcode level — so this is the closest accurate breakdown for B4 residents.

How much does private hernia repair cost near B4?

Private hernia repair in the UK typically costs £2,750–£6,500, with a typical price around £4,200. Birmingham has private hospitals from Spire, Nuffield, Circle, or HCA Healthcare offering this procedure with a typical wait of 2–4 weeks. Always confirm the exact total cost (including consultation, surgery, anaesthesia, follow-ups) before booking.

Can I be referred to an NHS trust outside B4?

Yes. Under NHS Patient Choice rules you can ask your GP to refer you to any NHS trust in England — not just the one closest to your home. If a trust elsewhere has a shorter waiting list, you can request a referral there. Travel costs for treatment further from home are your own responsibility.

Hernia repair in B4 (Aston (B4))

If you live in the B4 postcode (Aston (B4)), your GP will most likely refer you to University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust or Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust. The current median NHS wait for hernia repair is 16 weeks. Private treatment from £2,750.

NHS

Around the national average

16 weeks

Median wait for B4 residents

92nd percentile wait:: 38 weeks
Patients waiting:: 9,271
Seen within 18 weeks:: 2504%

Free at the point of use. Aggregated from 2 NHS trusts serving the B area.

Private

Days, not weeks

£4,200

Typical UK private price

Lowest published:: £2,750
Highest published:: £6,500
Typical wait:: 2–4 weeks

Self-fund or use health insurance. Major UK groups: Spire, Nuffield, Circle, HCA.

How outcode waits work: NHS England publishes wait times per NHS trust, not per outcode. B4 sits inside the wider B postcode area, and patients are typically referred to University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust or Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust. Under NHS Patient Choice you can ask to be referred to any trust in England — not just the local one.