The Garden of England is famous for a great many things, not least its lush greenery and history. But alongside the orchards and vineyards is a medical side that makes hip surgeons in Kent among the country’s finest.
Join us as we explore how you can find the right Kent hip surgeon for your needs.
From transparent costs to shorter waiting times, the reasons to choose private hip surgery in Kent (and the rest of the UK!) are numerous. So, let’s try and list a few of the main ones!
Shorter waiting times With Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, you will have your hip surgery just 4-6 weeks after your initial consultation. This is in stark contrast to NHS patients who face a much longer wait. For example, orthopaedic patients at the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust Hospital have a current wait of 37 weeks (15 weeks for a consultation, 22 weeks for surgery).1 Likewise, orthopaedic patients at the East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust also face a wait of 37 weeks (17 weeks for initial consultation, 20 weeks for surgery).2
Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group is proud to work with over 200 trusted and highly experienced consultants from across the country. Our combined aim is to ensure you receive first-class care during your healthcare journey, regardless of the type of hip treatment you need. Please note that while your consultation will be at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham, should you need hip surgery, this will take place at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford.
Transparent costs Quite simply, if you’re a Wellsoon patient, the price you see is the price you pay. There are no hidden costs for special fluffy slippers or extra pillows. From initial consultation to post-surgery physio and medication, everything you need is included in the price of your private hip replacement surgery.
Consultant experience and credentials If you’re looking for hip surgery in Kent, look no further than the consultants at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham. Combined, they perform thousands of hip surgeries every year and enjoy lifetime’s worth of experience in the field of hip treatments. So, from hip replacement surgery to injection procedures, our experienced and knowledgeable consultants are on-hand to get you back doing the things you love.
What to expect from your first consultation
During your initial consultation at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham, your hip specialist will carry out a physical examination, taking blood tests and x-rays, if needed. You will have a discussion about your family medical history that will also cover your general health. The initial consultation costs £95 and usually takes place between 1-2 weeks after your booking enquiry at a time that suits you.
This is all in the name of arriving at an accurate diagnosis and devising a treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.
If your consultant thinks surgery is the best option for you, you will be referred to our sister hospital, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford.
Hip surgery offered in Kent
At Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham, we can offer speedy access to consultations with hip specialists. Should you then need treatment for your troublesome hip, you’ll be referred to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford. There, we provide treatment for a wide range of different hip issues. These range from total hip replacement to injections to help you manage the pain.
Total hip replacement
This is the most common hip operation. It involves the removal of the damaged or worn-out hip joint which is then replaced by an artificial ball and socket joint. This surgery normally takes between 1-2 hours to complete and will be carried out at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford.
Less invasive options and early interventions
Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham offers hip consultations with the aim of arriving at a diagnosis and creating a subsequent treatment plan. If your consultant recommends a less-invasive option to surgery, you will be referred to our sister facility at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford. There, the following injection treatments are available:
The best type of specialist to carry out hip surgery is an orthopaedic consultant. This professional should specialise in hip joint replacement surgery with the backing of extensive training and management of hip conditions, such as osteoarthritis, hip fractures, and other hip problems.
Further types of specialisations available at Practice Plus Group include:
Hip revision surgeons: who specialise in replacing a worn or damaged artificial hip joint with another artificial implant.
Hip arthroscopy surgeons: specialise in minimally invasive surgical techniques that involve the insertion of a small camera into the hip joint.
Minimally invasive hip surgeons: whose specialisms lie in techniques that use small incisions and specialised instruments to reduce tissue damage, minimise scarring, and accelerate recovery.
Remember, if you have your hip consultation at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham and need treatment, you will be referred to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford.
How to find the best hip specialist in Kent
The White Cliffs of Dover, the Kent Downs, and bustling seaside resort towns are just three reasons to put Kent on the map. But what if we added a fourth to the list? Our team of specialists enjoy years of experience and expertise in the field of hip surgery – but how do you find the best hip replacement surgeon for you? Let’s find out!
Experience
One of the most important factors to consider is consultant experience. You’ll want to know that your chosen surgeon is capable and experienced in carrying out your specific procedure. Look for surgeons who have completed specialist training with a focus on hip replacements. Experienced surgeons are more likely to have encountered a broad range of cases, which may increase their success rates.
Credentials
Check whether any past patients have had your procedure. Do they recommend a particular surgeon? Ask for statistics on a surgeon’s complication rates and ask how they would manage any complications. Look for surgeons who are members of specialist hip replacement surgery societies or registered with professional associations (e.g. the General Medical Council or the British Orthopaedic Association).
Reviews and testimonials
Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of the quality of care provided by a surgeon or hospital. Look for reviews from previous patients, particularly those who have had hip replacement surgery; this will provide insight into the surgeon’s bedside manner, communication skills, and overall level of care.
Meet one of our consultant hip surgeon in Kent
Name: Rahij Anwar Location: Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham and Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford Qualifications: FRCS (Tr & Orth), Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons MRCS, Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons Specialities: Hip replacement, knee replacement Reviews: “I attended Practice Plus today and had an amazing experience. The staff are so caring and compassionate. I would recommend them to anyone.”
Michelle Kagan, patient at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham
While your consultation will take place in Gillingham, if you need surgery you’ll be referred to Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford. The facilities there are designed to provide the best possible care for patients undergoing hip surgery. The hospital features state-of-the-art operating theatres, advanced diagnostic equipment, and comfortable recovery rooms. Additionally, the hospital is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission, ensuring a safe environment for all patients.
Costs and payment options
Now to the business end of this blog: the financials. In the sections below, we look at the cost of hip replacement surgery in different private healthcare providers in Kent and the different ways you can access the surgery.
Private cost of hip replacement in Kent
The table below illustrates the different private costs of hip replacement at a handful of Kent-based hospitals.
Name of hospital
Price of hip replacement surgery
Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham
£12,549**
Spire Alexandra Hospital, Chatham
from £12,881
Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital
£14,545 (guide price)
*Prices accurate as of 26th September 2025 **The actual hip surgery will take place at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford
Using private health insurance
If you’d rather access your treatment a different way, you could use private medical insurance for your surgery. You’ll need to make sure your existing policy covers hip replacement surgery before you can proceed. Your insurer will give you a list of pre-approved hip consultants from which you’ll need to choose the one you want to carry out your treatment. This is a big decision, so be sure to take your time and do your research.
Payment plans or self-pay options
Another way of accessing private hip replacement surgery is through payment plans. With Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, you can spread the cost of your hip surgery over 12 months at 0% APR or, for more long-term options, from 24-60 months at 14.9% APR.
This means you can spread the cost of your treatment and avoid paying a one-off lump sum.
Recovery, aftercare, and patient support in Kent
After having your hip surgery, you’ll be under close observation as you come round from the anaesthetic.
Once you’re fully awake and your team is satisfied that you’re stable, you’ll be transferred to a private room. Here, you’ll continue your recovery with the help of your nursing team.
Depending on your initial recovery progress, you may be discharged from the hospital on the same day. If not, don’t worry; there’s no extra cost for an overnight stay with us.
Before leaving the hospital, you’ll receive instructions for post-operative at-home care. This will include wound care, pain management, and the things you should and shouldn’t do. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled with your orthopaedic surgeon to monitor your recovery progress and address any concerns. If you had your initial consultation at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham, this is where your follow-up appointments will be.
Once you’re back home, it’s physio time! This will be an essential part of your recovery. A dedicated physiotherapist will work closely with you to regain strength, mobility, and flexibility in your hip joint.
It’s important to gradually increase your activity level while avoiding high-impact exercises or activities that could put excessive strain on your new hip joint. So don’t go booking a skiing holiday or joining a rugby club!
Even after you’ve fully recovered from hip replacement surgery, it’s important to attend regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon. Long-term monitoring can help identify any potential issues with your hip implant and ensure your continued mobility and comfort.
Patient stories and testimonials
Enough from us, it’s time to hear what our past patients thought about their experiences. Below is a small collection of quotes and feedback but if you want to read more, take a look at our dedicated Gillingham patient reviews.
“Absolutely fantastic treatment and lovely staff. The icing on the cake though was when I had a call on the Saturday morning from Barbara – one of the nurses there just to make sure I was OK. I had a few concerns and she chatted with me for 10 minutes or so and put my mind at rest! 100% recommended!”
Dave Tudor, patient at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham
“From the moment I came in to the moment I left I felt really happy with the service, the staff were incredible, a lovely lady called Otis was super friendly and Dr Mohammed and his staff were really lovely and put my nerves at ease straight away.”
Claire D, patient at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham
Not quite found the information you’re looking for? Our dedicated Kent hip surgeon FAQs could help!
How long will I wait for hip surgery in Kent?
At Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, you’ll have your hip surgery just 4-6 weeks after your initial consultation. Please note, if you need hip surgery this will take place at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford.
What tests are required before surgery?
Before your hip treatment, your consultant will need to carry out some tests to decide whether surgery is the best option for you. This may include x-rays, blood tests, and/or swabs. Any MRI scans needed will incur further cost.
How much does private hip replacement cost in Kent?
Hip replacement surgery at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham costs £12,549 (plus £95 for the initial consultation). Please note, the surgery itself takes place at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford.
What is the different between self-pay and insured surgery?
Self-pay surgery is where you pay for your treatment yourself, either in a one-off lump sum or via payment plans. Insured patients access their treatment through existing medical insurance policies.
How long is the recovery after hip replacement surgery?
Most people are back to normal within 12 weeks but it can take up to a year before you fully benefit from your new hip. Make sure you complete all your physio sessions to give yourself the best possible chance of making a full recovery.
Are there shorter waiting lists for hip surgery if self-paying in Kent?
Yes. The waiting times for private healthcare in Kent (and the rest of the UK) are shorter than those with the NHS.
Acknowledgements
Mr Rahij Anwar joined Practice Plus Group as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in September 2018, working for both Practice Plus Group Hospital, Ilford and Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham. Mr Anwar has worked in healthcare for over 25 years with five years as an NHS consultant in the UK.
Mr Anwar has a special interest in hip and knee replacements and knee sports surgery, including ACL and patellofemoral issues. He also performs general orthopaedic procedures including operations on bunion, and toes.
*Representative example: Total amount of credit £12,549. Total charge for credit £4,958.89. Total amount repayable £17,507.89. Repayable by 60 monthly payments of £291.80. Representative 14.9% APR. Example based upon treatment costing £12,549 repayable over 60 months. Acceptance subject to status. T&Cs apply.
