About Compare The Wait
Our Mission
Compare The Wait helps people aged 65+ understand their options for NHS vs private surgery. We provide honest, free comparisons of waiting times and costs so you can make an informed decision.
7.7 million people are waiting for NHS surgery right now. For common procedures like hip and knee replacements, waits can be 20+ weeks. We believe everyone should have access to clear information about their options.
What We Do
- Compare NHS waiting times with private surgery options
- Show real costs from private clinics (no hidden fees)
- Provide free information—no personal data required
- Update data every 2 weeks from NHS records and clinic websites
- Focus on procedures most common for people 65+: cataract surgery, hip replacement, and knee replacement
Our Data Sources
NHS Waiting Times
We use data from My Planned Care (https://www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk/), the official NHS website that shows waiting times by procedure and location. This data is updated regularly by NHS trusts.
Private Surgery Costs
We gather prices from multiple sources:
- PHIN (Private Healthcare Information Network) - official registry of consultant fees
- Clinic websites - publicly available pricing pages
- Major private hospital groups (Moorfields, Circle, Spire, Practice Plus, etc.)
How Often We Update
We update our data every 2 weeks to ensure you have the most current information. NHS waiting times can change, and private clinic prices may fluctuate, so we make sure our comparisons reflect the latest available data.
Important Disclaimer
This website provides informational comparisons only. The data shown is based on publicly available information and may not reflect your personal situation.
This is not medical advice—always consult your doctor or healthcare professionalbefore making decisions about surgery. Every patient's situation is unique, and only a qualified medical professional can advise you on the best course of action.
Have questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.
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