FairWaitHeart valve replacement waiting times and costs in the UK
Official NHS waiting times for heart valve replacement at every hospital in England, and how Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland compare, plus what it costs to go private. Figures from July 2026, checked daily.
Shortest NHS waits in England for cardiothoracic Surgery
The 15 hospitals with the shortest median wait, out of 20 hospitals treating NHS patients that have patients waiting to be admitted for treatment (clinic-only services are left out). Private hospitals here treat NHS patients for free on a GP referral. Figures are for each NHS trust or provider as a whole.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Each nation publishes its own figures, measured differently, so they're shown separately (specialty: cardiothoracic surgery).
Scotland
Half of the 82 people waiting for treatment had waited 129 days or less so far; 90% had waited less than 553 days (month ending 31 August 2026). Shortest by NHS board: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (129 days).
Wales
841 patient pathways waiting; 25.1% for 26 weeks or more and 4.9% for over a year (July 2026). Wales doesn't publish a median wait.
Common questions
How long is the NHS wait for heart valve replacement?
In England, half of the 8,807 people currently waiting for cardiothoracic Surgery treatment had been waiting 10 wks or less so far, and 73.3% within 18 weeks (July 2026; the NHS standard is 92%). It varies a lot by hospital: the shortest median above is 6 wk. The NHS publishes waits by specialty, not by individual operation, so this is the wait for the specialty that treats it.
How much does heart valve replacement cost privately in the UK?
Typically £20,000–£30,000 as a self-pay patient. This is a FairWait estimate from published price lists — prices vary by hospital and consultant, so ask for a written quote. On the NHS it's free.
Can I choose a hospital with a shorter wait?
In England you have the legal right to choose where you're referred for most planned hospital treatment, including private hospitals that treat NHS patients, at no cost. Ask your GP, or see the NHS guide to choosing a hospital.
Sources: NHS England — Referral to Treatment waiting times (July 2026) · Public Health Scotland · Welsh Government (StatsWales). Private prices are FairWait estimates. All data sources.