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Knee replacement waiting times in England

A knee replacement sits inside trauma and orthopaedics, the specialty with the longest waiting list in England. The figures below are for that whole specialty at each hospital: knee replacements, hip replacements, fractures and clinic appointments together. There is no published wait for knee replacements alone, so anyone quoting one is estimating.

Shortest treated waits for trauma and orthopaedics, August 2026

  1. The Royal Victoria Infirmary 1 to 35 weeks, half to 9 in 10 of patients
  2. University Hospital of North Tees 2 to 21 weeks, half to 9 in 10 of patients
  3. Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and Royal Hampshire County 2 to 47 weeks, half to 9 in 10 of patients
  4. Salisbury District 3 to 41 weeks, half to 9 in 10 of patients
  5. James Cook 4 to 33 weeks, half to 9 in 10 of patients
  6. Probus Surgical CentreFree on the NHS 5 to 16 weeks, half to 9 in 10 of patients
  7. Kings Oak HospitalFree on the NHS 5 to 18 weeks, half to 9 in 10 of patients
  8. Royal Berkshire and King Edward Vii 5 to 18 weeks, half to 9 in 10 of patients

Every hospital in England for trauma and orthopaedics, or pick your area: EnfieldManchesterBirminghamLeedsNewcastle upon TyneSheffieldLiverpool

NHS England figures, . Checked for new figures . About the data.

What the wait includes

Your wait runs from your GP's referral to the day of surgery. It usually has two parts: the wait for the first outpatient appointment with the orthopaedic team, then the wait on the surgical list once you are listed. The treated band on each hospital page covers both parts for everyone treated in the month.

How to be treated sooner

Knee replacement is one of the operations independent hospitals do most for the NHS, so the independent hospitals marked "Free on the NHS" are a real option through your right to choose. Ask your GP to refer you where the band is shortest, or ask to move if you have passed 18 weeks.

Your right to choose a hospital. Already waiting? See where you stand.

Questions people ask

How long is the NHS waiting list for knee replacement?

NHS England publishes waits for trauma and orthopaedics as a whole, not for knee replacement alone. In August 2026, at a typical hospital half of the people treated in trauma and orthopaedics had waited under 17 weeks, and the shortest treated wait in England was at The Royal Victoria Infirmary, 1 weeks.

Can I have knee replacement at a private hospital on the NHS?

Often, yes. Independent hospitals that hold an NHS contract for trauma and orthopaedics treat NHS patients free of charge, and you can choose one when your GP refers you. They are marked "Free on the NHS" in the rankings for your area.