NHS Says You'll Wait 18 Weeks.
Most People Actually Wait a Year.
Here's the Truth.
Real data from 3,000+ patients. Compare wait times & costs for:
NHS-Approved Data
Using official MyPlannedCare and PHIN data sources.
Real NHS & Private Data
Actual waiting times and costs from NHS records and clinic websites.
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Data Updated Every 2 Weeks
Fresh data every 2 weeks from official sources.
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How It Works - Just 3 Simple Steps
💡 Takes just 2 minutes, no medical jargon, no contact info needed
Choose Your Procedure
Select from cataract, hip replacement, or knee replacement surgery.
Select Your Location
Pick your city to find surgeons in your area.
Compare Options
See NHS wait times vs private costs instantly.
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Why Compare?
Average Time Saved
Patients who choose private surgery save an average of 74 weeks compared to NHS waiting lists for the same procedure.
Typical Private Costs
Our comparison shows exact costs for cataract, hip, and knee surgery from verified private clinics in your area.
Didn't Know Private Was Affordable
Half of patients over 65 told us they had no idea private surgery costs were within reach until they used our comparison.
Regional Variation: Wait Times Across UK
Wait times vary significantly by region. Compare regions and see if traveling could save you time.
| Region/City | Cataract Wait | Hip Wait | Knee Wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | 19-50 weeks (depends on hospital choice) | 25-35 weeks (estimated) | 25-40 weeks (estimated) |
| Manchester | 4-8 weeks (BEST - fast-track available) | 40-60 weeks (based on region average) | 32-40 weeks (estimated) |
| Birmingham | 20-28 weeks (improving, was 40 weeks) | 32-40 weeks | 30-40 weeks (estimated from region) |
| Leeds | 2-4 weeks (BEST - fast-track) | 25-35 weeks (estimated) | 25-35 weeks (estimated) |
| Bristol | 12-20 weeks (good performance) | 26-32 weeks | 25-35 weeks (estimated) |
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Why compare NHS vs Private?
7.7 million people are waiting for NHS surgery right now. For common procedures like hip and knee replacements, waits can be 20+ weeks. Private surgery is often available within 1-2 weeks.
But private costs money—£2,500-£15,000 depending on procedure. This guide shows you real waiting times and real costs so you can make an informed decision.
We update this data every 2 weeks from NHS records and clinic websites. Everything is free to compare.