🚨 Over 700,000 people waiting for Trauma & Orthopaedic surgery, and in some areas, it’s over a year
New NHS data shows that orthopaedic patients across England are facing some of the longest treatment delays in the country, and the numbers keep growing.
đź©ş The Big Picture: Trauma & Orthopaedics Patients Are Being Left Behind
If you’ve been referred for a hip or knee replacement, you’re not alone. According to the latest NHS data (May 2025):
705,377 people are on the waitlist for Trauma & Orthopaedics treatment
Of those, 673,055 have complete data on wait times, and what it shows is deeply concerning:
Just 56% are treated within the NHS’s target of 18 weeks
Over 23,900 patients have waited more than a year for surgery
Orthopaedics, especially hip and knee replacements, now represents one of the largest and slowest-moving backlogs in the NHS.
đź“Ť Where the waits are longest
Some parts of England are worse affected than others. If you live in Essex, Leicester, Manchester, Cheshire, or Milton Keynes, your local NHS trust may be among the most overwhelmed.
Top 5 NHS Trusts with the longest wait for hip/knee surgery:
| NHS Trust | Median Wait | % Seen Within 18 Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Mid and South Essex NHS FT | 25.9 weeks | 37.7% |
| University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust | 24.8 weeks | 36.9% |
| Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS FT | 24.3 weeks | 39.1% |
| Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS FT | 23.9 weeks | 38.8% |
| Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital | 23.3 weeks | 41.5% |
⏳ What this means if you're a Patient
Long NHS waits don’t just delay care, they delay quality of life. Patients living with hip or knee pain often experience:
Limited mobility
Loss of independence
Delayed retirement or cancelled holidays
Stress, anxiety, and social isolation
And if you're in one of the areas listed above, you may be facing months, or even a year or more before surgery.
🌍 There is another option: planned surgery abroad
At Health Journeys, we support UK patients who want to explore safe, fast, and affordable orthopaedic care abroad, with surgery often completed in 4–6 weeks.
âś… Cases reviewed by UK-based GPs
âś… Treatment at internationally accredited Indian hospitals
âś… Fixed-price packages from ÂŁ3,850, covering surgery, stay, and support
We’re here to give you clarity, not pressure, and help you decide what’s right for your recovery.
🗺️ If you're in these areas, you're not alone
The longest waits are being reported in:
Essex
Leicester
Manchester
Cheshire
Milton Keynes
đź“Ť If you live in one of these regions, this backlog is likely affecting you directly.
đź’¬ Final Thought
The NHS is doing its best, but with over 700,000 people waiting for orthopaedic care, many are being left in limbo.
If you’re in pain, struggling to stay mobile, or tired of waiting, it may be time to explore another path.
đź“ž Speak to a Health Journeys care advisor
No commitment. Just clear answers.