Major progress in hip and knee surgery waiting times for patients across Northern Ireland

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH).

Waiting times for hip and knee replacement surgery at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) have reduced significantly, according to the Department of Health, as part of wider efforts to expand elective capacity and improve patient access across Northern Ireland.

The progress follows the introduction of a regional orthopaedic programme at SWAH, combining the use of independent sector capacity with improved theatre efficiency and streamlined patient pathways.

The approach is enabling more people to receive timely, life-changing joint replacement surgery, with many patients now discharged on the same day or early the following morning.

Enhanced physiotherapy support, strengthened post-operative recovery arrangements and a robust follow-up pathway are ensuring continuity of care, while also allowing swift escalation where required.

For patients who have often endured years of chronic pain and restricted mobility, the changes are delivering tangible improvements to quality of life.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited SWAH to meet staff and patients benefiting from the hip and knee surgery programme. During the visit, he observed patient flow through theatre, recovery and rehabilitation, and heard directly how the model is working in practice.

The Minister said:

“I have been determined to reduce the waiting lists for hip and knee surgery so patients can experience the profound and often life-altering reduction in pain that the procedures can deliver. For many, receiving surgery not only eliminates chronic pain, but it also restores their mobility and allows a much greater quality of life.

“These results show that meaningful progress is possible when all parts of the system work together with a shared focus on patients. By improving the way theatres are used and making full use of available capacity, including the independent sector, we are reducing long waits and helping people regain mobility and quality of life.

“Reducing waiting lists is a key priority for my Department. With the support of Professor Mark Taylor and clinical colleagues in every Trust, we are building a more resilient elective system that is better able to meet current and future demand.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt with Professor Ronan O'Hare.

A relentless focus on maximising surgical throughput and theatre performance has been identified as a key driver behind the improvements. Increased waiting list activity, combined with higher theatre productivity, is already having a measurable impact on long waits.

As of the end of December 2025, the number of patients projected to be waiting more than six years for a primary joint replacement by 31 March 2026 had reduced by 76 per cent, while those projected to be waiting more than four years had fallen by 65 per cent.

SWAH has been able to deliver major joint procedures, including hip and knee replacements, on a single extended full-day theatre list. This model maximises available capacity and ensures that theatre time is fully utilised for patient benefit.

In the current financial year, it is expected that approximately 550 primary joint replacements will be delivered at SWAH. Around 430 procedures have already been completed between April 2025 and mid-January, underlining the hospital’s growing role as a key elective site for orthopaedic surgery.

The SWAH regional orthopaedic programme forms part of the Department of Health’s Elective Care Framework, which sets out plans to expand surgical capacity, improve productivity and reduce unacceptably long waits.

Work is continuing with Trusts, clinical leaders and the independent sector to embed best-practice models and build long-term resilience within elective care services.

For patients and families affected by long delays, the improvements at SWAH represent more than just statistics — they mark a step towards restored independence, reduced pain and a return to everyday life.