How long is the NHS wait for shoulder arthroscopy in Plymouth?

The current median NHS wait for shoulder arthroscopy in Plymouth (across 1 NHS trust) is approximately 18 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 49 weeks. There are 3,283 patients currently waiting on the Trauma & Orthopaedics pathway across these trusts.

Where can I get shoulder arthroscopy privately in Plymouth?

Plymouth has private hospitals operated by Spire Healthcare, Nuffield Health, Circle Health, and HCA Healthcare among others. Private shoulder arthroscopy typically costs £5,500–£9,500 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 shoulder arthroscopy?

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 Plymouth NHS trust has the shortest wait?

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is the main NHS trust serving Plymouth for this procedure, with a current median wait of 18 weeks.

Can I be referred to an NHS trust outside Plymouth 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.

Shoulder arthroscopy in Plymouth: NHS wait vs private cost

The NHS waiting list for shoulder arthroscopy in Plymouth has a median wait of 18 weeks across 1 NHS trust serving the area. Private treatment typically costs £7,200, ranging from £5,500 to £9,500.

NHS

Around the national average

18 weeks

Median wait in Plymouth

92nd percentile wait:: 49 weeks
Patients waiting:: 3,283
Seen within 18 weeks:: 1663%

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

Private

Days, not weeks

£7,200

Typical UK private price

Lowest published:: £5,500
Highest published:: £9,500
Typical wait:: 2–4 weeks

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

NHS trusts serving Plymouth

NHS Trust	Median wait	92nd %ile	Patients waiting	< 18 wks
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust RK9	18 wk	49 wk	3,283	1663%

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See Shoulder arthroscopy waits across all UK cities →