consumer brochure- surgery new zealand
TRANSCRIPT
WORLD CLASS MEDICAL TREATMENT
IN AN ENGLISH SPEAKING FIRST WORLD
COUNTRY DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL
HEALTHCARE VALUE
TO FIND OUT MORE, call us on 1866 206 3582 (toll-free USA/Canada) or
+64-9- 623 6588, or email us at [email protected]
www.medtral.com
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COME WITH US ON A JOURNEY TO BETTER HEALTH…
CONTENTS
04. THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION
05. THE BENEFITS COULDN’T BE BETTER
06. WHY OPT FOR AN OPERATION ABROAD
08. THE THREE KEY BENEFITS
09. THE COST FACTOR
11. THE QUESTION OF QUALITY
13. THE CARE FACTOR
15. THE MEDTRAL PROCEDURE PORTFOLIO
17. WHY NEW ZEALAND
19. A PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE
20. A PHYSICIAN’S PERSPECTIVE
21. START YOUR JOURNEY TO BETTER HEALTH
BOARDWALK MEANDERING AROUND THE SHORES OF LAKE WILKIE AT SUNSET, CATLINS, NEW ZEALAND
... AND ENJOY SOME OF THE BEST MEDICAL CARE IN THE WORLD, AT SOME OF THE WORLD’S BEST PRICES
FOR WORLD CLASS, AFFORDABLE SURGICAL
TREATMENT IN A FIRST WORLD, ENGLISH
SPEAKING COUNTRY, HERE IS THE ULTIMATE
DESTINATION:
NEW ZEALAND03 04
MILFORD SOUND, NEW ZEALAND
WHICH EVER WAY YOU LOOK AT THEM,
THE BENEFITS COULDN’T BE BETTER…
The VALUE is EXCEPTIONAL…you’ll save around 60%, with no compromise on quality
The treatment is WORLD CLASS …from specialists and surgeons trained in North America or the United Kingdom as well as in New Zealand
The country is FIRST WORLD …with the fi nest of medical facilities to match
The language is ENGLISH…crucial for clear communication with your surgical and nursing teams
The DESTINATION is NEW ZEALAND…in the practised hands of medical travel experts
WHY OPT FOR AN
OPERATION ABROAD? IT’S THE OBVIOUS QUESTION: why travel overseas, when there are hospitals a few miles from home?
THE ANSWER? Because in the right country, you will receive outstanding healthcare, avoid the ever-growing cost of surgery in the United States and stay in a superb private hospital, for much less than the average US price of the procedure alone.
It’s true. There are considerable advantages in traveling abroad for surgery – not least of which is cost. However cost is not the only factor; note that we stressed “in the right country”. No matter how temptingly low the price of a procedure might be, you’ll need to be confi dent of “YES” answers to all the following:
Is English a fi rst language in this country? It’s essential that you can communicate freely
with medical and nursing staff
Will you be in the hands of a highly skilled private surgeon trained to the US’s high standards or
above, and does the country offer world-class medical facilities? You must not settle for anything less
Will you be looked after every step of the way: leaving the US, arriving at your destination,
during your stay, departing for home and arriving back home?
You won’t want to compromise on comfort, especially after surgery, so is it a fi rst world country
with the kind of amenities you’re used to?
Can you really be confi dent about quality of care?
WITH MEDTRAL, THE ANSWER TO ALL THESE QUESTIONS IS “YES”. 05 06
On the following pages, you’ll discover more about the exceptional advantages of Medtral New Zealand – and the many benefi ts of opting for healthcare in that country. But fi rst, we know you’ll want the answer to one very important question…
NEW ZEALAND IS A FRIENDLY, FIRST WORLD, ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRY WITH SOME OF THE FINEST HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ON EARTH. AND YOU CAN COMBINE YOUR SURGERY WITH A PRE OR POST-OPERATIVE VACATION IN TRANQUIL, BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS.
COME WITH US NOW ON A VERY SPECIAL
ROAD TO RECOVERY…
THE JOURNEY IS EASY, AND THE ADVANTAGES THREEFOLD…
MEDTRAL NEW ZEALAND’S THREE KEY BENEFITS OUTWEIGH ALL THE ARGUMENTS:
REMARKABLE VALUE
We offer a full range of surgical
procedures (orthopedic, cardiac,
urological, gynecological, plastic and
more) at considerable savings on US
prices – and that includes the travel.
Find out more on page 9.
EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY
With Medtral New Zealand, you
can expect excellent, international
standards from our doctors,
hospitals and nursing staff. And,
of course, New Zealand is a very
special First World country where
you will feel more than welcome.
Find out more on page 11.
OUTSTANDING CARE
From your home to ours and back
again, we take total care of you. You
will not be left to “fend for yourself”.
We book your fl ights, meet you at
the airport in New Zealand; organize
your medical appointments, surgery
and high quality aftercare. You can
read more about this on page 13.
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PIHA BEACH, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
THE COST FACTOR It’s true. Our total surgical package – with all travel and accommodation included – costs much less than the US price of the operation alone. We offer a full range of medical procedures including orthopedic surgery, cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery, gynecological surgery, urological surgery (including robotic) and plastic surgery. Here’s what Medtral New Zealand provides, for one all-inclusive price:
RETURN FLIGHTS: between the US and New Zealand
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE CARE: airport meeting and return hotel transfers within New Zealand
DEDICATED MEDTRAL PATIENT CO-ORDINATORS: on hand to provide personal care and attention throughout your time in New Zealand
PRE-OPERATIVE ACCOMMODATION: relax at a quality hotel before the operation
MEDICAL CONSULTATION: with our internationally qualifi ed specialists
HOSPITALIZATION: in one of New Zealand’s leading private establishments
SURGICAL PROCEDURE: carried out to a high standard by your selected specialist.
ALL EXPECTED MEDICAL COSTS: including laboratory and radiological tests while in New Zealand
POST-OPERATIVE ACCOMMODATION: in a quality hotel
EXCELLENT AFTERCARE: physical therapy and nursing at your hotel
EMERGENCY INSURANCE COVER: for any unexpected adverse event arising from the surgery
NB: Patients must be 18 years or older. The price for each procedure will vary based on each patient’s unique medical situation, international currency exchange rates and the patient’s preferred travel and accommodation arrangements. For more information on the types of procedures available, call us on 1866 206 3582 (toll free from the US and Canada).
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01. SKY CITY GRAND ROOM
02. OPERATING THEATRE
03. PATIENT AND CARER
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03
02
THE QUESTION OF
QUALITY OUR HOSPITALS
Medtral’s hospitals are among New Zealand’s fi nest. Each one is accredited in accordance with strict international
standards and offers advanced surgical facilities, as well as excellent patient amenities. Both serve excellent, nutritious
meals with a choice of menu, and can cater for special diets. The nursing teams are hand-picked from the country’s best.
MERCY HOSPITAL, AUCKLAND:
The largest and best-known private surgical hospital in
New Zealand, with seven operating rooms, an Intensive
Care Unit (ICU), High Dependency Unit and Coronary
Care Unit. Your very comfortable room will have satellite
TV, a radio, a complimentary daily newspaper and a
direct-dial telephone (family and friends are welcome
to call you at any time).
ASCOT HOSPITAL, AUCKLAND:
Setting new standards for fi rst-class private healthcare,
the Ascot opened in 1999 and has 12 operating suites,
including dual integrated digital theatres and surgical
robotics. Each of its hotel-style rooms has a direct-dial
phone for calls from family and friends, radio,
satellite TV and a complimentary daily newspaper.
Quality is crucial to every aspect of a Medtral healthcare package, from the hospitals we use, to the surgeons who perform the operations, and the skilled professionals who provide aftercare. The highest international standards are expected and provided at all times.
OUR MEDICAL TEAMS
All Medtral surgeons are highly qualifi ed and experienced; many are leaders in
their fi elds. They have been trained in North America or the United Kingdom
as well as New Zealand, and they have all undergone a rigorous credentialing
process to enable them to practise medicine in the hospitals we use.
All speak English as their fi rst language.
OUR AFTERCARE
Depending on the nature of your surgical procedure, aftercare includes:
Continued physical therapy
Nurse visits
Dietary and other lifestyle advice to help your recovery
Liaison with your US doctor to ensure continued progress when you get home
Domiciliary aides if required.
Wherever possible, these services will be provided in the comfort of your hotel or apartment.
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THE
CARE FACTORMedtral care goes far beyond a surgical procedure and a hospital stay. We’ll be waiting to greet you at the airport in New Zealand, and from then on you’ll be “one of us”, with a dedicated Medtral Patient Co-ordinator to help you.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
Once you have completed Medtral’s medical evaluation form and supplied
us with your diagnostic tests, our medical specialists will review your case,
and we will offer you a choice of travel and accommodation options.
WE’LL BE WAITING AT THE AIRPORT
Flying south to New Zealand from the States takes just 12 hours from either
Los Angeles or San Francisco. We’ll be at the airport to greet you when you
arrive in New Zealand, help with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel
or convenient city apartment.
SETTLE IN AND RELAX
You can have as much time as you’d like for relaxation before your medical
procedure. Whether it’s a day or a month, the choice is yours. And, of course,
your Medtral Patient Co-ordinator is just a phone call away for help and
advice during this time.
AFTER THE OPERATION
Our care doesn’t end with your operation. All Medtral’s hotels and apartments are perfect places
for recuperation and, when you return from your hospital stay, We’ll provide excellent aftercare and
physical therapy to help you on your road to recovery. Meanwhile, we’ll be liaising with your doctor
back home to ensure appropriate follow-up care.
TIME TO ENJOY YOURSELF
Before your operation, you’ll probably want to enjoy some of our
world-famous scenery. If you’re in Auckland, you’re near the stunning
Bay of Islands, the volcanoes of the Central Plateau and the geothermal
wonders of Rotorua – plus a great deal more. If you’re in Christchurch, the
glorious Southern Alps, Queenstown and lakes are all very close. We can
arrange any extra travel on your behalf – all you need do is enjoy it!
HOMEWARD BOUND
At the end of your stay, we’ll drive you back to the airport for your fl ight
home. Your doctor at home will have been informed of any aftercare you
might need.
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GENERAL SURGERY
Many types of general surgical procedures including inguinal and gastric hernia repairs, liver resections, bowel resections, gallstone removal, gallbladder removal and hiatus hernia repair.
GYNECOLOGICAL
Including laparoscopic hysterectomy and myomectomy, surgical treatment of vaginal and uterine prolapse and the surgical treatment of endometriosis. Our specialists are renowned for their surgical treatment of endometriosis and gynecological cancers as well as many other conditions.
And that’s not all…If the particular procedure you require is not listed above, please contact us by phone or email and tell us more about your case. We may well be able to help you.
WHAT WILL IT COST?The price will be signifi cantly lower than in most other fi rst world countries, including the US, Canada and Western Europe. Compare the following two procedures, remembering that the Medtral package includes not only the cost of the operation, but also fl ights, hotel accommodation, specialist appointments, physical therapy, after-care if required, plus contingency insurance. Though our price will be dependent on your medical situation and preferred travel arrangements, the examples quoted below are an indicative cost comparison:
HIP REPLACEMENT CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFT
UNITED STATES OPERATION ONLY UNITED STATES OPERATION ONLY
US$75,000 US$125,000
MEDTRAL NEW ZEALAND TOTAL PACKAGE MEDTRAL NEW ZEALAND TOTAL PACKAGE
US$29,000 US$38,000
THE MEDTRAL
PROCEDURE PORTFOLIOHere’s what we offer in terms of surgery and medical procedures. The list is comprehensive and the prices are very, very competitive.
ORTHOPEDIC
Includes hip, knee, shoulder and elbow replacements, hip resurfacing, knee ligament repair, lumbar fusion and bunion repair. All implants are sourced from the US or Europe. Intensive follow-up ‘in-hospital’ and ‘in-hotel’ physical therapy programs assist with recovery to have you fi t for the fl ight home as soon as possible.
CARDIAC
New Zealand’s heart surgeons are renowned world-wide, and Medtral’s highly skilled, internationally experienced cardiologists perform a wide range of procedures including bypass surgery, aortic and mitral valve repair and replacement (including Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement or PAVR), Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and cardiac stents, pacemaker insertion (single and dual), Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) or “balloon” angioplasty and cardiac catheter ablation. Excellent rehabilitation programs aid recovery.
PLASTIC SURGERY
Excellent reconstructive plastic surgery (including hand surgery) for patients recovering from trauma or cancer. Though we do not routinely offer cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation, reduction and tummy tucks are also available.
UROLOGICAL SURGERY
Modern prostate and bladder surgical techniques include robotic prostatectomy, holmium laser excision for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and laparoscopic prostatic resection. We also offer access to brachytherapy for prostatic cancer. Excellent aftercare with dietary advice and nursing is provided both in hospital and at your hotel.
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TO FIND OUT MORE, CALL US ON 1866 206 3582 (TOLL-FREE USA/CANADA) OR +64 9 623 6588
OR EMAIL US AT [email protected] OR VISIT www.medtral.com
WHY NEW ZEALAND?Coming to our country for a medical procedure is, to us, the most obvious choice in the world. We have every possible advantage where health is concerned: New Zealand is clean, uncrowded and beautiful; the air is fresh; the weather temperate and the people famously friendly.
MORE IMPORTANTLY, OUR HOSPITALS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ARE WORLD CLASS. IN FACT, A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT SURGICAL PROCEDURES PIONEERED HERE ARE NOW PRACTISED INTERNATIONALLY.
NEW ZEALAND IS ALSO ONLY A 12 HOUR DIRECT FLIGHT FROM SAN FRANCISCO AND LOS ANGELES OR A 14 HOUR DIRECT FLIGHT FROM VANCOUVER.
English-speaking, fi rst world country
World-class medical care from internationally qualifi ed and recognized surgeons and specialists
Superbly equipped, internationally accredited hospitals
Considerable savings on US prices
A chance to visit one of the world’s favorite destinations
Care from the time you arrive until the time you leave our shores
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WE CANNOT THINK OF ANYWHERE BETTER
TO RECEIVE MEDICAL CARE, OR TO REST AND RECUPERATE.
CAN YOU?
AUCKLAND SKYLINE AT NIGHT
Medtral’s fully inclusive healthcare packages meet all standards outlined in the American Medical Association’s “New AMA Guidelines on Medical Tourism”.
A PATIENT’S
PERSPECTIVEA PHYSICIAN’S
PERSPECTIVESeveral years ago, while living in New York, 66-year-old Wilma Franklin* began having extreme pain in her left hip.
She was assessed as needing a total hip replacement, an operation she duly received in one of New York’s
well-known private hospitals.
In 2006, while living in Auckland, Mrs Franklin experienced a similar pain in her right hip and was subsequently
operated on at Ascot Hospital.
Overall, the experiences were similar: excellent surgeons and anesthetists, and the same length of stay in
both places.
HOWEVER, THREE THINGS WERE VERY DIFFERENT:
In New York, Wilma was asked if she wanted to pay for her own nurse (in addition to the standard hospital staff)
to care for her; something she elected not to do. “This was a mistake,” she said “I often had to wait for up to
an hour at night for staff to come and help me to the bathroom”. In contrast, at Ascot Hospital, all patients
automatically receive complete nursing care 24 hours a day commensurate with their condition and requirements.
Wilma’s single room in the modern and well-appointed hospital suite in New Zealand’s Ascot Hospital was
superior to the twin room in a pleasant but much older hospital in New York.
Last, and most signifi cant of the three differences was the price.
WILMA’S BILL FOR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY AT THE ASCOT HOSPITAL IN NEW ZEALAND WAS LESS THAN A QUARTER THE COST OF THE SAME PROCEDURE, TWO YEARS EARLIER, IN NEW YORK.
As a physician, I can appreciate your medical requirements and needs, and,
having traveled extensively, I consider New Zealand to have some of the fi nest
medical facilities and expertise in the world.
I also understand that trust is of the utmost importance when making the decision
to place your health in someone else’s hands. So, I would like to reassure you that
in choosing Medtral New Zealand, you are choosing the very best. Our commitment
to you is absolute; your health, wellbeing and satisfaction will be given total priority.
We will provide world-class medical treatment in a safe, secure and friendly
English-speaking country. Every person on our team is a skilled, dedicated
professional. And, because we also have some of the lowest healthcare costs
in the Western World, we can pass on signifi cant savings without compromising in any way on quality.
All in all, I am convinced that Medtral can offer you an exceptional healthcare package.
You have our total commitment to making your time with us as comfortable and easy as possible –
and we hope you’ll also have an opportunity to see something of this magnifi cent country!
We look forward to welcoming you to New Zealand soon.
Warm regards,
Dr Edward Watson
MB ChB. MBA, DRACOG, FRNZCGP
Executive Chairman
Medtral New Zealand
Dr Edward Watson, Medtral New Zealand’s Executive Chairman, worked for many years in biotechnology and pharmaceutical development, and, through his involvement with clinical trials, became aware of the huge cost difference in medical services and procedures in New Zealand and the US. With the aim of providing a medical travel package of the highest standard for people seeking non-acute surgical treatment, he founded Medtral New Zealand.
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START YOUR JOURNEY TO
BETTER HEALTH HERE: Make contact with us (we have a toll-free phone line, or you may prefer to email).
Complete your medical evaluation form
Send us your diagnostic tests (these need to be done in your own country)
Our medical specialists will review your medical evaluation form and diagnostic test results.
We will advise you of their recommendations for hospital, aftercare and all other related
treatment and will also offer you a choice of accommodation and travel options
Once you have decided on these, we will send a quote for the expected cost of your entire
travel and treatment package
We will then send you an itinerary and the necessary forms for travel and treatment
You will travel to New Zealand and receive your treatment – and we’ll be there to meet you!
A dedicated Medtral Patient Co-ordinator will be assigned to look after you during your stay
While you are recuperating, we will liaise with your doctor back home to ensure the appropriate
follow-up care is organized for your return
ONCE OUR SPECIALISTS ARE SURE YOU CAN TRAVEL COMFORTABLY IT’S TIME TO BID YOU A GENUINELY
FOND FAREWELL, BECAUSE, DURING YOUR TIME HERE, YOU WILL HAVE BECOME “ONE OF US”.
Soon you’ll be fl ying north, but our care will not end when you leave our shores. On your return home, you’ll
fi nd we have kept your personal physician fully informed of your medical status. If your Medtral procedure calls
for any degree of continuing care, your doctor will be aware and prepared for this so that the progress you
made in New Zealand can be maintained. Your Medtral journey has come to an end but our care continues . . .
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FARM ROAD IN WANAKA IN LATE AFTERNOON
TO FIND OUT MORE, CALL US ON 1866 206 3582 (TOLL-FREE USA/CANADA) OR +64 9 623 6588
OR EMAIL US AT [email protected] OR VISIT www.medtral.com