Hip & Knee Replacement for Irish Patients
If you’re in Ireland and waiting for a hip or knee replacement, you may already know the waiting lists are long. Often 18 to 24 months — sometimes longer. That’s a long time to live with significant pain, stiffness, and the things you’ve quietly stopped doing.
The Dutch Hip and Knee Clinic (DHKC) in Amsterdam specialises exclusively in hip and knee replacements. We treat Irish patients every month. From your first contact with us to the day of surgery is typically a matter of weeks — not years.
“I hadn’t been able to sleep on my left side for two years. I didn’t realise how much I’d given up until I got it back.”
— Patient from Limerick, treated at DHKC
Does this sound familiar?
Hip and knee pain caused by wear doesn’t announce itself dramatically. It creeps in slowly. The position you can no longer sleep in. The shoes you can’t tie yourself anymore. The stairs you avoid. The walk you said no to.
At some point, without quite deciding to, you’ve reorganised your whole life around the pain.
You don’t have to keep adapting.
Hip and knee replacements are among the most successful operations in orthopaedic surgery. For the right patient, the results are consistent and the improvement in daily life is significant and fast. Most patients say the same thing afterwards: “I wish I hadn’t waited so long.”
How it works — from Ireland to Amsterdam and back
The logistics are simpler than most people expect. Amsterdam is approximately 2 hours from Dublin by plane, and less from Cork. Here’s exactly what the process looks like:
Get in touch
Contact us via the form below, or ask your GP for a referral letter addressed to the Dutch Hip and Knee Clinic. Both routes work equally well.
We review your case
We look at your X-rays and medical history. If we need new imaging, we’ll guide you through that. You’ll get an honest assessment quickly — including if surgery isn’t the right step yet.
Surgery in Amsterdam
The procedure takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Most patients are up and walking with support the same day or the next morning.
Home within 3 to 4 days
Before you leave Amsterdam you receive a full discharge pack: X-rays, a physio programme, and written instructions for your GP in Ireland. We remain available by phone and email after you’re home.
Your Irish GP handles follow-up
Most Irish GPs are very familiar with post-replacement follow-up — it’s completely standard care. Your GP receives everything they need from us before you leave.
What to say to your GP
Your GP doesn’t need to know us specifically. They simply need to write a standard referral letter confirming your diagnosis and that they support you seeking treatment abroad.
Here’s exactly what to say at your next appointment:
“I’ve been looking into getting my hip/knee replaced at a specialist clinic in the Netherlands called the Dutch Hip and Knee Clinic. Could you write me a referral letter so I can proceed?”
That’s it. We take it from there. If it helps, contact us first and we’ll give you information to bring to your GP.
Signs it may be time for an assessment
None of these alone means you definitely need surgery. But if several apply to you, it’s worth speaking to a specialist.
If surgery isn’t the right answer yet, we’ll tell you that honestly too.
What our Irish patients say
“I wish I hadn’t waited so long. The whole thing was so much simpler than I expected. I was back in my garden six weeks later.”
Woman, 71 — Dublin. Hip replacement.
“My daughter found DHKC online. I had been on the Irish waiting list for 16 months. Four months after surgery I swam my first kilometre.”
Man, 71 — Cork. Hip replacement.
“She was home within five days. Six weeks later she was dancing at our grandson’s birthday. We couldn’t believe it.”
Family member — Kerry. Knee replacement.
Common questions from Irish patients
Will my Irish GP handle my aftercare?
Yes. Before you leave Amsterdam we give you a full discharge summary, X-rays, a physio programme, and written instructions for your GP. Most Irish GPs are very familiar with post-replacement follow-up — it is standard care. We also stay available by phone and email if anything needs clarifying after you’re home.
Am I too old for surgery?
Age alone is rarely a reason not to have a hip or knee replacement. What matters is your general health, bone quality, and goals. Many of our patients are in their 70s and 80s and do very well. We’ll give you an honest assessment based on your specific situation.
What does it cost?
We’ll give you a clear price before any commitment. Costs vary depending on the procedure and your situation. Many patients find the cost compares very favourably with private alternatives in Ireland, especially when combined with the much shorter wait. Contact us for a personalised quote.
How long before I’m back on my feet?
Most patients are walking with support within 24 hours of surgery. Off walking aids within 4 to 6 weeks. Back to light activities like shopping and short walks by month 2 to 3. Swimming, cycling and travel for most patients by month 3 to 6.
Do I need a referral letter or can I contact you directly?
Both work. You can contact us directly using the form below and we’ll guide you from there. Or ask your GP for a referral letter — they don’t need to know us specifically, just write a standard letter supporting you seeking treatment abroad.
Ready to find out if surgery is right for you?
Get in touch and we’ll give you an honest answer. No obligation, no pressure — just clear information about your options.
Get in touch
Fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you within one working day.