Hip replacement · England
My hip replacement was cancelled and I haven’t been given a new date
If your hip replacement was cancelled and no new date has arrived, start by establishing exactly what kind of cancellation it was, then ask the hospital in writing for a new date. If you still hear nothing, PALS and the maximum-wait provision give you ways to push for an answer.
Pin down the type of cancellation
Last-minute non-clinical cancellations (on or after the day of admission) carry an NHS commitment to offer another binding date within 28 days or fund treatment elsewhere. Earlier cancellations do not, but your waiting time keeps counting.
Wording you can use
You can adapt this when emailing or writing to the waiting-list team. Nothing is sent automatically.
“My hip replacement, planned for [date], was cancelled on [date]. I have not yet been offered a new date. Please could you confirm whether this was a cancellation on or after the day of admission for a non-clinical reason, when I will be offered a new date, and the start date of my referral-to-treatment clock.”
If there is still no answer
Contact PALS at the hospital. If you are past the maximum waiting time, you can also ask the hospital or ICB about suitable alternative providers.
What this means for you
- Send a written request for a new date.
- Keep copies and note any phone calls.
- Contact PALS if you get no reply.
This guide gives administrative information for patients in England. It is not medical advice and cannot predict your operation date.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers first. Tap a question to read more.
How long should I wait before chasing?
There is no fixed rule for earlier cancellations. For last-minute non-clinical cancellations, the 28-day commitment gives a natural point to chase.
See where you stand in 60 seconds
Use our free 18-week calculator to check whether your wait may have passed the NHS Referral to Treatment standard.
Sources & references3
Reviewed against publicly available NHS England RTT guidance and the NHS Constitution.
Editorial transparency
How this guide was put together
- Reviewed against the latest publicly available NHS England RTT statistics and guidance.
- Written and edited by the NHSWaitHelper editorial team.
- Cross-checked against the NHS Constitution and operational guidance.
- Independent — no paid hospital rankings, no hidden sponsorship.
NHSWaitHelper is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with the NHS. We do not provide medical or legal advice. Always speak to your GP, clinician, or a regulated adviser about your individual circumstances.