(Image: Airedale NHS Foundation Trust)
Patients are facing lengthy waits for hip replacement surgery, with some waiting more than 30 weeks for treatment.
According to data obtained by My Medical Gateway, patients under the care of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust waited an average of 231 days—around 33 weeks—for elective hip replacement surgery between April 2025 and March 2026.
As of July 8, 2026, 205 patients remained on the waiting list.
What has the hospital trust said?
Tom Strickland, chief operating officer at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We recognise that some patients are waiting longer than we would like for hip replacement surgery and we continue to work hard to reduce waiting times.
"Our clinical teams are prioritising those patients who have been waiting the longest, while ensuring that care is provided according to clinical need."
Demand is high
He explained that demand for elective orthopaedic services remains high, but the trust is taking steps to tackle the backlog.
Mr Strickland said: "We are focused on improving access to treatment through a range of measures to increase capacity and reduce the backlog.
"The number of patients experiencing the longest waits has decreased significantly in recent years, and reducing long waits remains a key priority for the trust.
"We appreciate the patience of our patients and are committed to treating people as quickly and safely as possible."
Financial impact 'can be life-changing'
NHS England’s interim target is for 65 per cent of patients to be treated within 18 weeks of referral.
Sara Gezdari, head of investor relations at My Medical Gateway, said: "The true impact of waiting is measured not in weeks but in declining quality of life.
"Many patients continue working despite severe symptoms.
"As pain worsens, productivity often falls.
"Some reduce their hours.
"Others leave work entirely.
"The consequences can be particularly significant for self-employed individuals who depend upon physical mobility to earn a living.
"At a national level, delayed treatment contributes to lost productivity, increased welfare costs and growing demand for social care services.
"At an individual level, the financial impact can be life-changing.”
How much does it cost privately?
Private hip replacement surgery in the UK typically costs between £12,549 and £14,950, according to Ms Gezdari, who said many patients consider paying privately in order to avoid months of pain and lost earnings.
She explained that long waits can lead to increased pain, reduced mobility, mental health challenges, and loss of independence.
Ms Gezdari said: "Patients frequently compare the cost of surgery against months of pain, reduced mobility, lost earnings and declining independence."