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

The current median NHS wait for knee replacement surgery in Sunderland (across 1 NHS trust) is approximately 17 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 38 weeks. There are 8,001 patients currently waiting on the Trauma & Orthopaedics pathway across these trusts.

Where can I get knee replacement surgery privately in Sunderland?

Sunderland 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 Sunderland NHS trust has the shortest wait?

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is the main NHS trust serving Sunderland for this procedure, with a current median wait of 16 weeks.

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

The NHS waiting list for knee replacement surgery in Sunderland has a median wait of 17 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

17 weeks

Median wait in Sunderland

92nd percentile wait:: 38 weeks
Patients waiting:: 8,001
Seen within 18 weeks:: 4351%

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 Sunderland

NHS Trust	Median wait	92nd %ile	Patients waiting	< 18 wks
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust R0B	16 wk	38 wk	8,001	4351%

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See Knee replacement surgery waits across all UK cities →