How long is the NHS wait for knee replacement surgery in Exeter?

The current median NHS wait for knee replacement surgery in Exeter (across 1 NHS 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.

Where can I get knee replacement surgery privately in Exeter?

Exeter has private hospitals operated by Spire Healthcare, Nuffield Health, Circle Health, and HCA Healthcare among others. Private knee replacement surgery typically costs £11,000–£17,500 in the UK. Most private hospitals offer consultation packages where you can be assessed within days. Ask your GP for a referral letter or self-refer directly.

Will going private affect my NHS care for knee replacement surgery?

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

Which Exeter NHS trust has the shortest wait?

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is the main NHS trust serving Exeter for this procedure, with a current median wait of 19 weeks.

Can I be referred to an NHS trust outside Exeter for a faster wait?

Yes. Under the NHS Patient Choice rules, you have the right to 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 are your own responsibility.

Knee replacement surgery in Exeter: NHS wait vs private cost

The NHS waiting list for knee replacement surgery in Exeter has a median wait of 19 weeks across 1 NHS trust serving the area. Private treatment typically costs £13,500, ranging from £11,000 to £17,500.

NHS

Around the national average

19 weeks

Median wait in Exeter

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

Free at the point of use. Specialty-level data covering Trauma & Orthopaedics.

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.

NHS trusts serving Exeter

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%

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See Knee replacement surgery waits across all UK cities →