How long is the NHS wait for knee replacement surgery in the EX postcode area?

Patients living in the EX postcode area (Exeter) are typically referred to Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The current median NHS wait for knee replacement surgery across these trust is approximately 19 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 48 weeks. There are 10,338 patients currently waiting on the Trauma & Orthopaedics pathway across these trusts.

Which NHS trust covers the EX postcode?

EX postcodes are primarily served by Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. NHS England publishes waiting time data per trust, not per postcode, so this is the closest accurate breakdown for Exeter residents. Under NHS Patient Choice rules you can also ask your GP to refer you to a different trust with a shorter wait — this is your legal right.

How much does private knee replacement surgery cost near Exeter?

Private knee replacement surgery in the UK typically costs £11,000–£17,500, with a typical price around £13,500. Most major UK cities have 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.

Will going private affect my NHS care if I live in EX?

No. You can self-fund private treatment without losing your place on the NHS waiting list and without affecting your future NHS care. Many patients use private providers to access faster surgery while keeping the NHS option as a free backup.

Can I be referred to an NHS trust outside the EX area?

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.

Knee replacement surgery in the EX postcode area

If you live in the EX postcode area (Exeter), your GP will most likely refer you to Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The current median NHS wait for knee replacement surgery is 19 weeks. Private treatment from £11,000.

NHS

Around the national average

19 weeks

Median wait for EX residents

92nd percentile wait:: 48 weeks
Patients waiting:: 10,338
Seen within 18 weeks:: 4915%

Free at the point of use. Aggregated from 1 NHS trust.

Private

Days, not weeks

£13,500

Typical UK private price

Lowest published:: £11,000
Highest published:: £17,500
Typical wait:: 2–4 weeks

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

How postcode waits work: NHS England publishes wait times per NHS trust, not per postcode. We have mapped EX postcodes to the trust that most commonly accept Exeter residents. Your actual wait depends on which trust your GP refers you to — and under NHS Patient Choice you can ask to be referred to any trust in England, not just the local one.

NHS trust serving EX postcodes

NHS Trust	Median wait	92nd %ile	Patients waiting	< 18 wks
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust RH8	19 wk	48 wk	10,338	4915%

See the full Exeter city breakdown

Treatcompare also publishes a per-city version of this comparison with full NHS trust details and city-wide aggregates.

Knee replacement surgery in Exeter →

Knee replacement surgery in the EX postcode area

NHS trust serving EX postcodes

See the full Exeter city breakdown

Other postcode areas in South West England

Other procedures for EX postcodes