Hip replacement · England
I’ve waited more than 18 weeks for a hip replacement. What can I do?
If more than 18 weeks have passed since your referral and you have not had your hip replacement, you can ask the hospital or your ICB to look into suitable alternative providers. Exceptions apply, and it is a request for the NHS to investigate — not an automatic move.
First, check your clock
Confirm the date your referral-to-treatment clock started. Ask the hospital, because clock stops and restarts can mean your official wait differs from the time since you first saw your GP.
Asking for alternatives
If you are likely to wait longer than the maximum waiting time that applies to you (generally 18 weeks from referral for non-urgent consultant-led treatment), you can ask the hospital or your local integrated care board (ICB) to look into suitable alternative providers that could see or treat you sooner. Exceptions apply — for example if you choose to wait longer or delaying is clinically appropriate — and it is not an automatic transfer.
You can ask the hospital first. If that does not resolve it, you can contact your local ICB.
When it may not apply
Exceptions include choosing to wait longer, or delay being clinically appropriate. The NHS decides how they apply to you.
If you get no answer
The hospital's PALS team can help you get a response. You can also make a formal complaint if needed.
What this means for you
- Confirm your clock start date.
- Ask the hospital, then the ICB, about suitable alternatives.
- Keep a note of who you spoke to and when.
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.
Does passing 18 weeks mean I can go anywhere I like?
No. It means you can ask the NHS to look into suitable alternatives that could see or treat you sooner. They decide what is suitable and available.
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 & references4
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.