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 46 weeks. There are 3,220 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:: 46 weeks
Patients waiting:: 3,220
Seen within 18 weeks:: 51%

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.

Next step

Decide whether to wait or go private in Plymouth

Use the local NHS wait, the private price range and related treatment pages to move from answer to action.

Compare all citiesShoulder arthroscopy waits nationwide Calculate wait vs costWeeks saved and monthly cost Get a private GP referralSame-day referral options

Compare your route

Keep comparing shoulder arthroscopy around Plymouth

City pages are useful for the headline wait. The next useful step is usually the national context, a specific postcode/outcode, a private referral route or finance.

Finance options

Plymouth city pageCurrent18 week NHS median wait with private cost range.National overviewCompare this city against other English cities.Plymouth private GPFind GP consultations and referral options in the same city.

Important context

NHS waiting-time figures are published at trust or specialty level and private prices are indicative ranges. Local eligibility, referral route, clinical urgency, provider package and insurance status can change the real-world choice. TreatCompare is for comparison only and is not medical, legal or financial advice.

Source type: Official NHS waiting-time data and private price model
Primary source: NHS England Referral to Treatment waiting-time data
Reporting period: Mar 2026
Last updated: 2026-05-22
Figure type: Mixed sources
Use: Research and comparison only

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Calculator

Is going private worth it for shoulder arthroscopy?

Adjust the wait and quote to estimate weeks saved, cost per week saved and simple monthly equivalents.

15 weeks saved

NHS wait

18 wk

Private quote

Private wait

3 wk

Time saved

15 weeks

Cost per week saved

£480

Monthly equivalent

£600/mo

or £300/mo over 24 months

This is a planning aid only. Actual quotes, insurance coverage and finance terms vary by provider.

NHS trusts serving Plymouth

NHS Trust	Median wait	92nd %ile	Patients waiting	< 18 wks
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust RK9	18 wk	46 wk	3,220	51%

Shoulder arthroscopy in Plymouth: FAQs

How much does private shoulder arthroscopy cost in Plymouth?

Private shoulder arthroscopy typically costs Â£5,500-Â£9,500 in the UK, with a typical self-pay price around Â£7,200. Local quotes in Plymouth can vary depending on consultant fee, hospital fee, anaesthetic, follow-up and any implants or lens options.

How long is the NHS wait in Plymouth?

The current median NHS wait for shoulder arthroscopy in Plymouth is approximately 18 weeks, with a 92nd percentile wait of 46 weeks across the local Trauma & Orthopaedics pathway.

What should I ask a private provider before paying?

Ask for an itemised quote showing consultant assessment, hospital fee, anaesthetic or sedation, treatment materials, follow-up appointments, cancellation terms and whether complications or revisions are covered.