Circle Health Group becomes Surgery Support Partner

Circle Health Group becomes Surgery Support Partner

We are delighted to announce a new partnership between Arthritis UK and Circle Health Group, which became our Surgery Support Partner for 2026. 

Circle Health Group is an award-winning healthcare provider operating the UK’s largest network of independent hospitals. Supporting over 2 million patients each year, Circle Health Group provides hospital services to patients who fund their own treatment, those who are supported by private medical insurance and works in partnership with the NHS.  

Arthritis UK is proud to be a trusted and accredited source of a wide range of health information, bringing together the latest research, expert advice and lived experience. Our aim is to help patients learn about their arthritis, exploring the different treatment options available and providing practical guidance, support and advice to help millions of people manage their condition. 

As a patient, being told you need joint replacement surgery can feel overwhelming. There may be a lot of information to take in, and it can be hard to know where to start. Understanding your treatment options early on can help you feel more informed and in control. There are different ways you can receive treatment, either via the NHS or private healthcare, depending on your circumstances and preferences. 

For those who have private medical insurance or are looking to pay for their own treatment, going private may offer more control over when and where you are treated, with typically shorter waiting times. You are likely to be able to choose your hospital, surgeon and appointment dates and times when convenient for you. Circle Health Group have appointments available to see a specialist Orthopaedic Consultant within 48 hours, and have 50+ hospitals across the UK. 80% of the UK population is within a 60-minute drive to a Circle Health Group facility.

Arthritis UK continues to campaign for shorter waiting times for all and welcomes the choice and flexibility that healthcare providers like Circle Health Group offer to patients who choose to use their services.

Arthritis UK Director of Income and Engagement, Al Graham, said:

Circle Health Group’s Chief Medical Officer, Peter James, said: 

Thanks to Circle Health Group’s generous collaboration funding, we can continue to provide practical support and advice to the 10 million people across the UK living with arthritis, including our accessible health information, advice and our Arthritis Connect online community.