Figures show majority of hip replacements now carried out in private hospitals

Latest data suggests that most hip replacements are currently carried out in private rather than NHS hospitals.

The figures from the National Joint Registry show that around 40,000 hip replacements were performed at NHS hospitals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2022, while 50,000 were carried out at private clinics.

The vast majority were funded by the NHS, with only 25,000 paid for privately or through private insurance.

NHS England have said it is making use of capacity in the independent sector to treat ‘as many patients as possible’.

Experts have warned that using private facilities is only a ‘short-term solution’ and doesn’t provide enough capacity to reduce the record 7.7 million backlog.

Tim Mitchell, president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said “Waiting lists are at an all-time high and timely access to surgery is key to levelling up the nation’s health.

“Although the NHS should continue to have the ability to use the independent sector to provide additional elective capacity, this is only a short-term solution and does not offer sufficient capacity to address the backlog.

“The Government needs to continue investing in additional NHS surgical capacity.

“This will enable the service to cope with any future pandemic as well as regular seasonal pressures and achieve and maintain the levels of elective activity needed.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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