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

The current median NHS wait for knee replacement surgery in Leicester (across 1 NHS trust) is approximately 29 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 52 weeks. There are 8,961 patients currently waiting on the Trauma & Orthopaedics pathway across these trusts.

Where can I get knee replacement surgery privately in Leicester?

Leicester 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 Leicester NHS trust has the shortest wait?

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is the main NHS trust serving Leicester for this procedure, with a current median wait of 29 weeks.

Can I be referred to an NHS trust outside Leicester 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 Leicester: NHS wait vs private cost

The NHS waiting list for knee replacement surgery in Leicester has a median wait of 29 weeks across 1 NHS trust serving the area. Private treatment typically costs £13,500, ranging from £11,000 to £17,500.

NHS

Slower than the national average

29 weeks

Median wait in Leicester

92nd percentile wait:: 52 weeks
Patients waiting:: 8,961
Seen within 18 weeks:: 2284%

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 Leicester

NHS Trust	Median wait	92nd %ile	Patients waiting	< 18 wks
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust RWE	29 wk	52 wk	8,961	2284%

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See Knee replacement surgery waits across all UK cities →