Hernia surgery (inguinal) waiting times
How long the wait for a groin hernia repair really is, what it looks like at your own hospital, and the honest routes through it: the NHS, a targeted private step, or going fully private.
Updated August 2026 · NHS RTT data
The typical NHS wait
Across England, half of General Surgery patients are treated within 17 weeks; the average is 23, and 1 in 5 wait longer than 45 weeks. Your own hospital's wait is what matters: check it now.
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Your four options
We don't tell you which to pick. Here is the honest shape of each; your own figures are in the free dashboard.
Wait where you are on the NHS. There is nothing to pay and your care stays exactly as it is. How long you wait depends on your hospital.
Ask to be seen at a different NHS hospital with a shorter queue, for the same free NHS care. Often faster, with nothing to pay.
Pay to be diagnosed sooner, then have your treatment on the NHS. A targeted spend, not the full private cost.
Pay for your diagnosis and treatment privately and skip the NHS wait altogether. The fastest route, and the most expensive.
See your own figures for each option →
Fastest hospitals in England
- Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, Tameside3 weeks
- The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Harlow4 weeks
- Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Reading5 weeks
- Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, Kirklees6 weeks
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Kensington and Chelsea6 weeks
Admitted RTT pathway, August 2026. Source: NHS RTT.
About inguinal hernia
What it is
An inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin, where fatty tissue or part of the bowel pushes through a weak spot in the lower tummy wall. It is much more common in men. The bulge often appears when you lift something, cough or stand for a long time, and may ache or feel heavy. Get urgent help if the bulge becomes painful, feels hard, cannot be pushed back in, or comes with vomiting.
How it is usually treated
Inguinal hernias do not heal on their own, so surgery to repair the weak spot is usually recommended, often using a mesh to strengthen it. It can be done by open or keyhole surgery, and is commonly a day case. A small hernia that causes no symptoms may simply be watched.
After treatment
Most people go home the same day. Gentle walking helps recovery, and discomfort, bruising and swelling around the groin are normal for a couple of weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for around four to six weeks. Many people return to desk work within one to two weeks. Only drive once you can do an emergency stop comfortably.
General information only, not medical advice. Your GP or specialist will advise on your own situation.
Latest news
- Amazon warehouse worker fired while recovering from surgery for hernias he got on jobThe Independent · Mar 2026
- Open Inguinal Hernia Repair (Female)Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust · Oct 2026
Support and forums
Independent communities where people waiting for or living with this talk. Not run or moderated by Wait or Pay.
- HerniaTalk · HerniaTalk
More NHS waiting times
NHS hernia surgery (inguinal) waiting times at major hospitals
New Cross Hospital · Addenbrooke's Hospital · York Hospital · Torbay Hospital · Musgrove Park Hospital · Royal Berkshire Hospital · Hereford County Hospital · Derriford Hospital · Royal Cornwall Hospital · Manchester Royal Infirmary · Homerton University Hospital · John Radcliffe Hospital · Russells Hall Hospital · Southampton General Hospital · Bristol Royal Infirmary · Frimley Park Hospital
Written by the Wait or Pay team and sourced to the NHS. Last updated October 2026.
What happens next with inguinal hernia
The usual steps, from seeing your GP to recovery, and the questions people ask at each one.
Before referral
How do I get this looked at?
See your GP, who can examine the lump and refer you to a surgeon if a repair is needed. Your NHS waiting time starts once a hospital receives a referral.
Source: NHS, Inguinal hernia repair
Does a hernia always need an operation?
Not always straight away. Small, painless hernias may be watched, but surgery is the usual treatment if it’s growing or uncomfortable.
Source: NHS, Inguinal hernia repair
Getting referred
How do I get referred?
Ask your GP to refer you to a general surgery service. For most planned care you have a legal right to choose which hospital, including one with a shorter wait.
Source: NHS, Your choices in the NHS
Your first hospital appointment
What happens at the appointment?
A surgeon examines the hernia, confirms the diagnosis, and talks through whether and how to repair it. Bring your questions.
Source: NHS, Going into hospital
Will I need a scan?
Often not. A hernia is usually diagnosed by examination, though a scan is used occasionally.
Source: NHS, Inguinal hernia repair
Deciding on treatment
What does the operation involve?
A short operation to push the hernia back and strengthen the wall, often with mesh, by keyhole or open surgery, and usually as a day case.
Source: NHS, Inguinal hernia repair
Should I plan time off work?
Most people need 1 to 2 weeks off, longer for heavy or physical work. Ask the hospital.
Source: NHS, Inguinal hernia repair
On the waiting list
How long is the wait?
It varies by hospital. Wait or Pay shows the typical wait at each hospital, and the hospital can tell you your place.
Will I get a check before surgery?
Yes, most people have a pre-operative assessment a few weeks before.
Source: NHS, Having surgery
Should I plan driving and time off?
You won’t be able to drive straight after, so plan lifts and time off.
Source: NHS, Inguinal hernia repair
Before your operation
Will I go home the same day?
Often yes, it’s usually a day case.
Source: NHS, Inguinal hernia repair
Recovery
When can I drive again?
Usually when you can do an emergency stop without discomfort, often around a week or two. Check with your surgeon and insurer.
Source: NHS, Inguinal hernia repair
When can I go back to work?
Often 1 to 2 weeks for light work, longer for heavy lifting.
Source: NHS, Inguinal hernia repair
What if I’ll be off work a while?
You may be able to get Statutory Sick Pay while you recover.
Source: GOV.UK, Statutory Sick Pay
How long will you really wait, and how could you go sooner?
Your free companion dashboard compares all four paths for hernia surgery (inguinal): wait, switch to a faster NHS hospital, part-private, or fully private. It names the faster hospitals near you, shows what going private would cost, and gives you letters ready to send. You can print it or save it as a PDF. Free, and nothing is locked or paid.
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