01
Specialist review Based on your condition and available records
Orthopaedic waiting lists in Ireland
Waiting for care can affect mobility, work and everyday life
Orthopaedic patients may wait for an initial consultant appointment, further diagnostic tests and, if surgery is recommended, a separate procedure date. National waiting-list figures show the scale of demand across the Irish public hospital system.
Source: National Treatment Purchase Fund, national public hospital waiting-list data, May 2026. Figures cover all hospital specialties and are not limited to orthopaedics.
Orthopaedic treatment in Poland
What type of orthopaedic care are you waiting for?
We help patients enquire about consultant assessment, diagnostic review and surgical treatment across a range of orthopaedic conditions. Final treatment recommendations are always made by the treating specialist.
Knee surgery
Assessment of knee pain, injuries, arthritis and possible surgical treatment.
Hip surgery
Specialist assessment for hip pain, reduced mobility and joint replacement options.
Shoulder treatment
Review of shoulder pain, tendon injuries, instability and possible operative treatment.
Hand surgery
Carpal tunnel, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture and other hand conditions.
Foot and ankle surgery
Assessment and treatment of painful foot, ankle and mobility-related conditions.
Spine assessment
Review of spinal symptoms and referral to the appropriate orthopaedic or neurosurgical specialist.
Orthopaedic treatment enquiry
Tell us what treatment you are waiting for
Briefly describe your condition, symptoms and any scans or medical records you already have. We will contact you to discuss the available options and the information required for an initial clinic review.
HSE reimbursement for treatment abroad
Could your orthopaedic treatment in Poland qualify for an HSE refund?
Patients who are entitled to public healthcare in Ireland may be able to claim reimbursement for qualifying treatment received in Poland under the EU Cross-Border Directive. The amount available depends on the treatment and the equivalent cost within the Irish public system.
Submitting an enquiry does not confirm eligibility or a reimbursement amount. Individual cases are assessed by the HSE under the applicable rules and documentation requirements.
Possible treatment options
Orthopaedic consultations, procedures and surgery in Poland
The appropriate treatment depends on your symptoms, examination, medical history and imaging. A specialist may recommend further diagnostic assessment, conservative treatment, an injection, arthroscopy or another surgical procedure.
Not sure which specialist you need? Describe your condition in the enquiry form and we will help identify
the appropriate next step.
Four clear steps
From your enquiry to treatment in Poland
You do not need to contact several clinics or organise each part of the process independently.
01
Send your enquiry
Tell us about your symptoms, diagnosis and any scans or medical records you already have.
02
Clinic review
We contact the appropriate clinic and establish what consultation, records or further tests may be required.
03
Treatment information
You receive information about the available options, likely costs, possible dates and the expected stay in Poland.
04
Treatment organisation
We can help coordinate the clinic, accommodation, local transport and documentation for the HSE reimbursement process.
Preparing your orthopaedic enquiry
What information may be helpful for the clinic?
You can still contact us if you do not yet have all of the documents. We will explain what may be useful for the initial review.
01
Medical records
Previous specialist letters, diagnoses, treatment summaries and information about earlier procedures or injections.
02
Scans and reports
MRI, CT, X-ray or ultrasound reports and, where available, the original scan images or access details.
03
Current symptoms
A brief description of your pain, mobility restrictions, daily limitations and how long the symptoms have been present.
04
Referral documentation
A GP or public consultant referral may be important where you intend to apply for reimbursement under the EU Cross-Border Directive.
Frequently asked questions
Orthopaedic treatment in Poland
Answers to some of the questions patients commonly ask before considering private treatment abroad.
Can I send MRI or X-ray reports before travelling?
Yes. Medical reports and available scans can often be shared with
the clinic before travel. The specialist may still require an
in-person examination before confirming the final treatment plan.
Will the clinic confirm surgery before I travel?
The clinic may provide an initial opinion based on your records,
but the final recommendation can depend on an in-person consultation,
examination and review of the original imaging.
Can orthopaedic surgery in Poland be refunded by the HSE?
Some qualifying orthopaedic treatment may be eligible for
reimbursement under the EU Cross-Border Directive. Eligibility,
documentation and the amount available depend on the individual
case and are decided by the HSE.
Do I need to be on an HSE waiting list?
The documentation required can vary. Being eligible for treatment
through the Irish public system and having an appropriate referral
are particularly important. We can explain the usual starting point,
but only the HSE can confirm eligibility.
How long would I need to stay in Poland?
The recommended stay depends on the procedure, anaesthesia,
post-operative review and whether stitches or further checks are
required. The clinic will advise you before confirming the treatment.
Can you help with accommodation and transport?
Yes. Where required, we can help coordinate accommodation,
airport transfers and local transport between the hotel and clinic.
These costs are normally separate from the medical treatment.
