Shoulder surgery waiting times in England
Shoulder operations, from keyhole decompression and rotator cuff repair to replacement, are trauma and orthopaedics. The specialty band at each hospital is the best published guide; shoulder-specific waits are not released.
Shortest waits for trauma and orthopaedics, August 2026
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 7 weeks most people See this hospital
- Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 8 weeks most people See this hospital
- Clementine Churchill Hospital 13 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Princess Margaret Hospital 13 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Provide Enterprises 14 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Bishops Wood Hospital 15 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Epsomedical Group 15 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust 15 weeks most people See this hospital
Every hospital in England, or pick your area: Enfield Manchester Birmingham Leeds Newcastle upon Tyne Sheffield Liverpool
NHS England figures, , checked . About the data.
What the wait includes
Many shoulder problems go through physiotherapy first, and the clock for the surgical wait starts at the orthopaedic referral, not at the physiotherapy referral. If you have been in physiotherapy for months, ask whether you have been referred on yet.
How to be treated sooner
Orthopaedic surgery is the area where independent hospitals do the most NHS work, so the ranked list for your area is worth checking before you accept a long local wait.
Questions people ask
How long is the NHS waiting list for shoulder surgery?
Waits are published for trauma and orthopaedics as a whole, not shoulder surgery alone. In August 2026, at a typical hospital most people on the waiting list had waited less than 36 weeks; the shortest was Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, 7 weeks.
Can a private hospital do my shoulder surgery on the NHS?
Often, yes. Independent hospitals with an NHS contract for trauma and orthopaedics treat NHS patients free, and are marked "Free on the NHS" in the rankings for your area.