Hip replacement · England
I’ve been told I need a hip replacement. What happens next on the NHS?
Once a consultant and you agree that a hip replacement is the right option, you are usually added to the hospital's waiting list for admission. The exact steps vary between hospitals, but a few administrative details are worth confirming straight away so you know where you stand.
Being added to the waiting list
The decision to treat is a pathway milestone, but your referral-to-treatment clock normally started earlier — when your referral was received — and keeps running until treatment starts.
Hospitals usually confirm the listing in a letter. If you do not receive one, it is reasonable to ask the waiting-list team to confirm you are on the list and under which consultant.
Steps that often follow
Hospitals organise these differently, and the order can vary:
- a pre-operative assessment appointment
- contact from a booking or scheduling team to offer a date
- information about what to bring and arrangements for the day
What to confirm now
Simple questions to ask the waiting-list or booking team:
- Am I on the list for surgery, and since when?
- What date did my referral-to-treatment clock start?
- Who should I contact if my circumstances change or I have not heard anything?
- Will I receive regular updates while I wait?
What this means for you
- Keep the listing letter and your referral date together.
- Write down the waiting-list team's contact details.
- If anything about your health changes, tell your GP or the hospital clinical team — this guide does not cover clinical questions.
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 my 18-week wait start when I am listed for surgery?
Usually not. For consultant-led treatment it normally starts when the hospital or service receives your referral. Some events can stop or restart it, so ask the hospital to confirm your clock start date.
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.