Charitable Surgery Programme
Charitable Surgery Programme
Southern Cross Charitable Surgery Programme
Southern Cross Healthcare and the Southern Cross Health Trust (its parent entity and a charitable organisation) work together to help more New Zealanders access timely, high quality care. Since 2017, the Charitable Surgery Programme has enabled more than 600 people to receive life changing surgery at no cost.
Made possible with the ongoing support from generous credentialled specialists, the Programme continues to meet growing community need. Your participation helps extend access to care for patients who may otherwise face barriers to accessing treatment.
Programme criteria
A patient may be accepted into the Programme where the credentialled medical practitioner and hospital General Manager agree that:
- The surgery is medically necessary.
- The patient has no other means to access surgery within a reasonable timeframe (Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora, ACC, private insurance or self-funding).
- Specialist charges are waived or provided at the charitable fee.
- Suppliers have been asked if they can provide any implants required at no cost or at a discount.
For enquiries, contact your local Southern Cross Hospital General Manager or email charitablesurgeries@southerncrosshospitals.co.nz
How to make a referral
Credentialled medical practitioners can refer eligible patients by contacting the General Manager of any Southern Cross Hospital.
The referral must fulfil the Programme criteria noted above.
Referrals must include:
- Brief description of the patient’s circumstances.
- The surgery required.
- Reason other treatment options are not available within a reasonable timeframe.
- An estimate of the cost of services, whether at no charge or at the charitable fee.
- Implant requirements, and if these can be provided from the supplier at no cost or at a discount.
Following confirmation from the General Manager that the treatment can be delivered under the Programme, the patient can be booked following standard process.
Charitable Surgery Programme patient stories
Returning Krystal to the sport she loves
Watch Krystal’s story and discover how charitable surgery helped her return to professional rugby league, regain a pain-free quality of life, and continue being an active mum.
Community surgery day at Ormiston Hosptial
Access to timely surgery can make a meaningful difference. Learn how 16 tamariki received much-needed ENT procedures, supporting better health and wellbeing.