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Leicester Orthopaedic Waiting Times: Hip and Knee Waiting List (August 2026)
At the end of August 2026, 11,858 people were waiting for trauma and orthopaedic treatment at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, which runs Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester General and Glenfield. Only 39.1% of them had been waiting less than the NHS standard of 18 weeks, worse than the England figure of 61.1%, and 968 had waited more than a year. This page sets out the latest figures, what they mean for a hip or knee replacement, and the faster routes open to you.
Key facts
- 11,858 people on the trauma and orthopaedics waiting list at Leicester (end of August 2026).
- 39.1% waiting under 18 weeks, against 61.1% across England; ranked 177 of 178 large orthopaedic providers in England.
- 968 people had waited over 52 weeks and 45 over 65 weeks.
- Half of patients had waited about 24 weeks or longer so far (median, estimated from NHS England's weekly bands).
- At OrthoVoyage's partner hospital in Poland a hip replacement is from €6,940 and a knee replacement from €8,620, with the implant and three days in hospital included.
Checked 14 October 2026
The latest figures
| Measure (trauma and orthopaedics, August 2026) | Leicester | England |
|---|---|---|
| People waiting | 11,858 | 843,419 |
| Waiting under 18 weeks | 39.1% | 61.1% |
| Waiting over 52 weeks | 968 | — |
| Median wait so far | about 24 weeks | — |
Source: NHS England, Referral to Treatment waiting times, full data extract for August 2026 (published 8 October 2026). Figures for Leicester are OrthoVoyage's calculation from that extract: incomplete pathways in trauma and orthopaedics, all commissioners combined. The England figures are from NHS England's press notice.
These numbers count everyone with an open referral in trauma and orthopaedics, from a first appointment for a sore knee to a hip replacement. Patients who need an operation usually wait longer than the median, because the wait for surgery comes after the clinic appointments.
Faster NHS options in your area
In England you have a legal right to choose where you are referred for your first outpatient appointment, among NHS trusts and independent hospitals that treat NHS patients. Other providers in the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board area had shorter orthopaedic waits in August 2026:
| Provider in the same area | Waiting | Under 18 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Nuffield Health, Leicester Hospital | 469 | 90.6% |
| Spire Leicester Hospital | 1,020 | 71.0% |
If you are already on a waiting list, ask your GP whether you can be referred elsewhere, or contact the hospital about moving. Waits for each provider and specialty are on the NHS My Planned Care website. A shorter list does not guarantee a shorter wait for your particular operation, so ask the new provider for its current wait before you move.
If you can't wait
If the wait is too long, two routes do not depend on the NHS list:
- Pay a UK private hospital. Published self-pay prices are around £14,500 for a hip and £13,020–£16,914 for a knee replacement. See UK hip prices and UK knee prices.
- Have the operation in Poland. At OrthoVoyage's partner hospital a hip replacement is from €6,940 (about £5,970) and a knee replacement from €8,620 (about £7,420), with the implant, three days in hospital and up to seven physiotherapy sessions included. It is about two hours from London by direct flight. See hip replacement in Poland and knee replacement in Poland.
Going private does not remove you from the NHS list automatically. Tell your GP and the hospital if you decide to have the operation elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the orthopaedic waiting list at Leicester?
At the end of August 2026, 11,858 people were waiting for trauma and orthopaedic treatment, and 39.1% had waited under 18 weeks. Half had waited about 24 weeks or longer so far.
How long is the wait for a hip or knee replacement?
The NHS does not publish a separate wait for each operation by trust. Joint replacement patients usually wait longer than the orthopaedic median, because surgery comes after the clinic appointments. Ask the hospital for its current wait for your operation.
Can I move to a hospital with a shorter wait?
In England you have a legal right to choose your provider for your first outpatient appointment, among NHS trusts and independent hospitals that treat NHS patients. If you are already waiting, ask your GP about moving your referral.
How much does it cost to skip the wait?
A UK private hip replacement is around £14,500 and a knee replacement £13,020–£16,914. At OrthoVoyage's partner hospital in Poland a hip replacement is from €6,940 and a knee replacement from €8,620.
Sources
This article is for information only and is not medical advice. Always discuss treatment options with your GP or a specialist.
Related pages
NHS Hip and Knee Replacement Waiting Times in 2026: How Long, and What Are Your Options?
How long the NHS wait for hip and knee replacement is in 2026, what the latest official figures show, and the options you have if you can't wait.
Can the NHS Pay for Surgery Abroad? S2, the EU Directive and Brexit Explained
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How Much Does a Private Hip Replacement Cost in the UK? (2026 Prices)
A private hip replacement costs £12,750–£16,579 in the UK. The same operation with the same implant brands is about £5,970 in Poland. Full breakdown.
How Much Does a Private Knee Replacement Cost in the UK? (2026 Prices)
A private knee replacement costs £11,000–£20,000 in the UK. The same operation with the same implant brands is about £7,420 in Poland. Full breakdown.