13 November 2026 – Greater Manchester accounts for more than half of the region’s orthopaedic pathways waiting at least 18 weeks, as concerns grow over the impact on health, work and livelihoods.
More than 42,000 orthopaedic treatment pathways across the North West have been waiting at least 18 weeks for NHS care, according to new figures published today, highlighting the potential toll of prolonged waits on people’s health, livelihoods and independence.
The latest NHS England figures, published on 12 November, reveal that 42,440 orthopaedic pathways had been waiting at least 18 weeks at the end of September 2026, out of a regional orthopaedic waiting list of 114,779.
Greater Manchester accounted for 21,821 of these longer waits, compared with 10,498 in Cheshire and Merseyside and 10,121 in Lancashire and South Cumbria.
Across all treatment specialties, the North West had 1,062,909 waiting pathways, of which 373,294 had reached at least 18 weeks.
The findings have raised concerns at My Medical Gateway (MMG), which helps UK patients access private surgery at accredited European hospitals, about the personal and financial consequences of prolonged waits, particularly for self-employed workers, tradespeople and others whose livelihoods depend on remaining physically active.
Commenting on the figures, Sara Gezdari, spokesperson for My Medical Gateway, said today:
“Behind these figures are thousands of people across the North West whose lives may be effectively on hold while they wait for treatment. For someone needing a hip or knee replacement, that can mean months of pain, sleepless nights and struggling with everyday activities most of us take for granted.
“But the impact goes well beyond the individual. For a self-employed tradesperson, farmer or small business owner, being unable to work can mean lost income, mounting financial pressure and real uncertainty about the future.
“People shouldn’t have to put their health, livelihoods and independence on hold indefinitely. While the NHS continues to face enormous pressure, patients need to know that other options exist, including accessing high-quality, accredited private treatment in Europe.
“For someone who has spent months living in pain, surgery isn’t just another appointment. It can mean the difference between earning a living and losing an income, between independence and relying on others. People deserve to know what treatment options are available to them.”
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Media contact
Siân Covey, Head of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at MMG
Mobile: +44 7812 923 485
Email: [email protected]
Note to editors
About My Medical Gateway
My Medical Gateway (MMG) is a healthcare marketplace connecting UK patients with fully MMG-accredited private hospitals across the European Union. Patients can compare providers and fixed-price treatment packages offering high-quality, consultant-led care at up to 50% less than comparable UK private prices, with a guaranteed choice of three surgery dates within six weeks of medical clearance.
MMG combines a transparent platform framework governed by English law with comprehensive support throughout the patient journey, from treatment selection and diagnostics to booking, treatment and recovery. Treatment Packages include English-speaking patient coordination, structured aftercare and a post-operative review within 90 days, making private healthcare abroad simpler, more affordable and supported at every stage.
Learn more about MMG: www.mymedicalgateway.com
About MMG: www.mymedicalgateway.com/about
Research sources
NHS England, Referral to Treatment Waiting Times Statistics for Consultant-led Elective Care, September 2026, published 12 November 2026.
Figures relate to incomplete treatment pathways at the end of September 2026. Regional figures are based on NHS provider-level data grouped into Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside, and Lancashire and South Cumbria.
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