NHS Orthopaedic Care: What to Expect

The NHS provides high-quality orthopaedic care, funded by public taxes, meaning there are no additional costs to patients for consultations, imaging, or surgery. However, due to high demand and current economic challenges, patients often experience long waiting times for consultations, imaging, and procedures.

We welcome NHS patients via GP referrals or the NHS e-Referral Service. Unfortunately, NHS appointments cannot be booked directly through this website or with our private practice team.

If you would like to book a private consultation directly, schedule an appointment online or contact us via email or phone.

The NHS Care Pathway

Understanding the steps involved in NHS orthopaedic care can help you prepare for your treatment journey.

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1. GP Consultation or MSK Triage Service

Your NHS orthopaedic care journey typically begins with a visit to your GP. After assessing your symptoms and medical history, your GP may refer you to the Musculoskeletal (MSK) Triage Service. This specialist team evaluates and directs referrals for conditions like joint pain, injuries, or mobility issues.

In some areas, patients can self-refer directly to the MSK Triage Service without seeing a GP. Check with your local NHS services to see if this option is available to you.

The MSK team may:

• Recommend self-management strategies or physiotherapy.
• Arrange further diagnostic tests, such as X-rays.
• Refer you to an orthopaedic consultant if surgical or advanced care is needed.

This step ensures patients are directed to the most appropriate treatment pathway but may involve some waiting time.

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2. Consultation with an Orthopaedic Consultant

If your GP or the MSK team refer you to an orthopaedic consultant, you will attend an initial consultation at an NHS hospital or clinic. During this appointment:

• The consultant will assess your condition and discuss potential treatment options. The median waiting time for consultation was 14.5 weeks as of August 2023. For information on waiting times, visit the Guide to NHS waiting times in England.
• If imaging such as X-rays or MRIs is required, it will need to be scheduled, which can involve additional waiting times. The median waiting time for diagnostics in September 2024 was 2.7 weeks.
• A follow-up consultation may be needed to review the imaging results and confirm your treatment plan.

The consultant will explain the procedure, benefits, risks, and expected outcomes if surgery is recommended.

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3. Waiting Times and Booking Surgery

If surgery is needed, you’ll be placed on an NHS waiting list. Current waiting times vary by hospital and region but can range from 12 to 18 weeks or longer*. NHS resources like the My Planned Care platform provide up-to-date waiting time information for your local area.

*As of June 2024, approximately 50% of orthopaedic patients were waiting longer than 18 weeks for surgery.

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4. Pre-Surgery Preparation

Before surgery, you’ll attend pre-operative assessments to ensure you’re fit for the procedure. These may include blood tests, imaging, and an ECG. You’ll also receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for surgery and what to expect during recovery.

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5. Surgery and Recovery

Orthopaedic surgery on the NHS may be performed as a day case or involve a short hospital stay. After surgery, your recovery will include physiotherapy and follow-up appointments to monitor progress. NHS teams provide comprehensive support during this phase to help you regain mobility and strength.

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Choosing Private Care as an alternative

For patients seeking faster access or more personalised treatment, private healthcare is an available alternative to NHS care.

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Self-Pay Options

Opting for private care through self-pay allows you to schedule surgery within days or weeks, choose your preferred surgeon, and select a hospital location that suits you. Costs vary, so obtaining quotes and understanding what’s included in the fee (consultations, surgery, follow-up care) is crucial. You can find all-inclusive guide prices for care provided by our practice on this website. 

If you’re considering your care options, here’s a quick comparison:

• NHS care offers accessibility at no extra cost but may involve waiting for consultations and treatment.
• Private care provides faster access, more flexibility in choosing your surgeon and hospital, and personalised treatment options but needs to be self-funded or by private health insurance.

If you’re considering private treatment, schedule an appointment online or contact us via email or phone.