How long is the NHS wait for hysterectomy in the UK?

The current median NHS wait for hysterectomy (within the Gynaecology specialty) in England is approximately 14 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 38 weeks. Waits vary significantly by NHS trust — see the city breakdowns below for local figures.

How much does private hysterectomy cost in the UK?

Private hysterectomy in the UK typically costs £8,500–£16,000, with a typical price around £11,500. Prices vary by hospital group, surgeon experience, and what's included (anaesthesia, follow-ups, physiotherapy). Spire Healthcare, Nuffield Health, Circle Health and BMI Healthcare are the main private hospital groups offering this procedure.

Can I switch from NHS to private for hysterectomy?

Yes. You can self-fund or use private health insurance to access hysterectomy privately while remaining on the NHS waiting list. Many patients do this to avoid the long wait. Some private hospitals offer consultation packages where you can be assessed within days. You will not lose your NHS place by getting a private opinion or treatment.

Which cities have the shortest NHS waits for hysterectomy?

Based on the latest NHS England RTT data, the UK cities with the shortest median waits for gynaecology (the specialty covering hysterectomy) include Liverpool (0 weeks), Sunderland (9 weeks), Newcastle upon Tyne (9 weeks), Bradford (10 weeks), Reading (11 weeks). See the full city table below.

Is hysterectomy covered by private health insurance?

Most major UK health insurers (Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA) cover hysterectomy on standard policies, subject to underwriting and policy terms. Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded. Always confirm coverage with your insurer before scheduling.

Hysterectomy: NHS wait vs private cost

Surgical removal of the uterus, often for fibroids, endometriosis, or heavy periods. The current NHS median wait is approximately 14 weeks. Private treatment typically costs £8,500–£16,000.

NHS median wait (England)

14 weeks

Specialty: Gynaecology

Long-tail wait (92nd percentile)

38 weeks

215,534 patients waiting

Private cost (typical)

£11,500

Range £8,500–£16,000

NHS wait by city — fastest first

City	Median wait	Compare locally
Liverpool	0 weeks	See Liverpool →
Sunderland	9 weeks	See Sunderland →
Newcastle upon Tyne	9 weeks	See Newcastle upon Tyne →
Bradford	10 weeks	See Bradford →
Reading	11 weeks	See Reading →
London	12 weeks	See London →
Bristol	13 weeks	See Bristol →
Middlesbrough	14 weeks	See Middlesbrough →
Sheffield	14 weeks	See Sheffield →
Brighton	14 weeks	See Brighton →
Norwich	14 weeks	See Norwich →
Leicester	14 weeks	See Leicester →
Leeds	15 weeks	See Leeds →
Stoke-on-Trent	15 weeks	See Stoke-on-Trent →
Exeter	15 weeks	See Exeter →
Birmingham	16 weeks	See Birmingham →
Portsmouth	16 weeks	See Portsmouth →
Oxford	17 weeks	See Oxford →
Derby	17 weeks	See Derby →
Coventry	17 weeks	See Coventry →
Milton Keynes	17 weeks	See Milton Keynes →
Southampton	18 weeks	See Southampton →
York	18 weeks	See York →
Manchester	18 weeks	See Manchester →
Hull	18 weeks	See Hull →
Plymouth	18 weeks	See Plymouth →
Cambridge	19 weeks	See Cambridge →
Nottingham	19 weeks	See Nottingham →
Blackpool	21 weeks	See Blackpool →
Preston	23 weeks	See Preston →

Looking for hysterectomy waits by postcode?

We also publish wait times by postcode area, mapped to the NHS trust most likely to accept your GP referral.

See hysterectomy by postcode area →

All English cities

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