VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Orthopaedics: Surgery

Asked by Jim ShannonDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 27 April 2026UIN 128665

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the current average waiting time is for elective orthopaedic surgery in England.

Answered by Karin Smyth

Average waiting times for elective orthopaedic surgery are not separately published in the waiting list statistics. The waiting times for orthopaedic surgery are included in the Trauma and Orthopaedic Services category. As of the latest published waiting list statistics for February 2026, the median waiting time for Trauma and Orthopaedic Services, which includes orthopaedic surgery, was 14.9 weeks in England, with further information available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/rtt-waiting-times/rtt-data-2025-26/

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim