Understanding Hip Replacement Surgery in Ireland 2025: Pathways, Surgeons, and Patient Experiences

Did you know new care pathways in Ireland are evolving hip replacement options, emphasizing non-surgical treatments and sharing insights about hospital experiences? This article explores current practices, surgeon roles, waiting time considerations, and recent issues in pediatric surgeries to provide an informed overview

Modern Approaches to Hip Replacement Surgery: The National Osteoarthritis Hip and Knee Pathway

A ground-breaking development in Ireland’s approach to hip replacement surgery in 2025 is the HSE National Osteoarthritis (OA) Hip and Knee Pathway. Piloted initially in Navan and Waterford from 2023 through early 2025, this pathway has reshaped hip replacement surgery practice by emphasizing conservative, non-surgical options before considering surgery.

Key features of the pathway:

Patient Assessment and Referral: Patients with hip osteoarthritis are initially assessed by specialist physiotherapists in the community, following a GP referral. Only those clearly requiring surgical evaluation progress to orthopedic consultations.
Non-Surgical Treatments: The pathway delivers patient-centered education, tailored exercise programs led by physiotherapists, weight management, and dietitian-led lifestyle advice—addressing osteoarthritis comprehensively.
Digital Support: Since November 2024, a digital app supports patients remotely with exercise videos, progress tracking, and patient-initiated review requests, reducing unnecessary hospital visits and empowering patients in self-management.
Surgical Intervention Minimization: Between April 2023 and February 2025, of 1,734 referrals, only 3.4% needed orthopedic outpatient appointments and fewer than 1% required surgery. This reflects an important shift to surgery as a last resort, supporting effective patient outcomes and hospital resource use.

This integrated, evidence-based model aligns with national health reforms under Sláintecare, promoting early intervention, integrated chronic disease management, and optimized care delivery.

Hip Replacement Surgeons and Notable Specialists

In 2025, expert surgeons both in public and private sectors contribute to hip replacement surgery in Ireland. Among them, a noted specialist is:

Mr. Paul Curtin at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital, Dublin 4 — Recognised for his surgical skill and attentive post-operative care, Mr. Curtin has received positive patient feedback for surgeries performed in late 2023.

Private hospitals like St. Vincent’s and Bon Secours have specialists who provide modern facilities and personalised care. Public hospital specialists also contribute significant expertise but face workload and waiting time challenges.

Hospital Options and Patient Experiences in 2025

Hospitals in Ireland offer different experiences depending on whether care is sought privately or publicly. Some insights include:

Private Hospitals

St. Vincent’s Private Hospital, Dublin 4: Known for modern facilities, infection control standards, responsive staff, and generally positive surgical outcomes. Some minor communication issues were reported but addressed promptly.
Bon Secours Hospital Dublin: Recognised for professional, compassionate orthopedic care. Patients sometimes report long waits in crowded waiting areas (occasionally over four hours), yet overall hospital care quality remains high.

Public Hospitals

St James’s Hospital, Dublin: Staff noted for kindness and excellent accessibility features. Patients may face significant outpatient waiting times before initial consultation but often experience efficient care thereafter.
Beaumont Hospital, Dublin: Provides quality care with compassionate staff, though patients sometimes encounter longer waits during admissions and outpatient services. Facilities are modern and well maintained.

Considerations on Pediatric Hip Surgeries in Public Hospitals

A clinical audit published in 2025 raised concerns about children’s hip surgeries at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) sites (Temple Street, Crumlin) and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh. The audit indicated a high proportion of surgeries at these sites were not clinically indicated based on available records.

This finding has impacted public trust and prompted a forensic review. Families affected are awaiting clear communication and outcomes. While specific to pediatric surgeries, this underscores the importance of ongoing oversight across all surgical care.

Waiting Times for Hip Replacement Surgery in Ireland

Waiting times remain a challenge particularly in the public healthcare system:

Outpatient waiting periods for orthopedic consultations at large public hospitals like St James’s and Beaumont can be lengthy, impacting initial surgical assessments.
Once patients are assessed, scheduling and procedures tend to proceed efficiently.
Comprehensive and up-to-date data on exact waiting times for hip replacement surgeries across Ireland is not fully published in 2025.
Private hospitals usually offer shorter waits but at increased personal cost or through private insurance coverage.

The OA Hip and Knee Pathway pilot’s early results in reducing unnecessary referrals and surgeries suggest potential for easing waiting time pressures as the program expands.

Eligibility and Process Overview for Hip Replacement Surgery

Patients typically follow this general process for hip replacement surgery in Ireland in 2025:

Initial assessment by a GP for osteoarthritis symptoms and referral to specialist pathways.
Participation in non-surgical management, including physiotherapy, exercise, weight management, and education.
Referral to orthopedic consultation considered if conservative treatments do not adequately control pain or mobility restrictions.
Undergoing pre-operative assessments and investigations if surgery is recommended.
Choice between public hospitals, which may have longer waiting times, and private hospitals offering quicker access but higher costs.

Costs vary: public surgeries are covered by the Public Health Service Executive (HSE) with associated waiting periods, while private surgeries incur greater financial outlays dependent on insurance or personal payment.

Future Outlook and Ongoing Improvements

Following the pilot’s outcomes, Irish health authorities aim to:

Expand the Hip and Knee OA Pathway nationally to provide integrated, evidence-based care for osteoarthritis patients.
Increase the use of digital tools for remote patient support.
Enhance referral efficiency, specialist availability, and reduce unnecessary surgeries.
Strengthen governance and oversight relating to pediatric surgeries within Children’s Health Ireland.
Continue initiatives to reduce waiting times, improve facility resources, and deliver patient-centred care.

Summary

Hip replacement surgery in Ireland in 2025 is marked by:

Advances in integrated non-surgical care reducing the need for surgery.
Contributions from experienced surgeons in both private and public sectors.
Ongoing challenges with outpatient waiting times and surgical governance, particularly concerning pediatric surgeries.
Varied patient experiences influenced by hospital type and service factors.
Introduction of digital tools aimed at facilitating patient self-management.
Efforts underway to enhance transparency, efficiency, and patient safety within the health system.

Patients considering hip replacement surgery are encouraged to consult with their GPs early, learn about available care pathways, and explore both public and private options to make informed decisions.

Sources

HSE National OA Hip and Knee Pathway
Dáil Éireann Debate on Children’s Hip Surgery Audit 2025
HeyDublin Hospitals Reviews 2025 Disclaimer: All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. The information and materials contained in these pages and the terms, conditions and descriptions that appear, are subject to change without notice.

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