Canterbury Surgical Specialists was built around a simple idea: that patients should be treated as people, not numbers. Our surgeons are committed to personalised care, clear communication, and having the patient's best interests at the centre of every decision. We take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable and informed throughout your entire surgical journey.

You can see a surgeon at Canterbury Surgical Specialists either through a GP referral or as a self-referral. Most patients are referred by their GP or another specialist, but we also welcome self-referrals for patients who are self-funded or have health insurance. If you're unsure whether you need a referral, please contact our team and we'll guide you through the process.

To be referred, ask your GP to send a referral letter to Canterbury Surgical Specialists. Your GP can send referrals via email or post. Once we receive your referral, our team will be in touch to arrange your first consultation. If you're self-referring, you can contact us directly by phone or through our website.

Wait times vary depending on the type of surgery and urgency of your condition. Our team will contact you after receiving your referral to arrange your first consultation as quickly as possible. If your condition is urgent, please let your GP know so they can indicate this on the referral, and we will prioritise accordingly.

Your first consultation is a chance for you and your surgeon to get to know each other. You'll discuss your condition, your symptoms, and how they're affecting your life. Your surgeon will explain your options clearly — including non-surgical options where appropriate — and answer any questions you have. There's no pressure to make decisions on the spot. We want you to feel informed and comfortable before taking any next steps.

Yes, absolutely. We encourage you to bring a support person — a partner, family member, or friend — to your appointment. Having someone with you can help you feel more comfortable, and they can also help you remember the information discussed during your consultation.

Please bring your referral letter (if you have one), any relevant medical records or imaging (such as X-rays, CT scans, or blood test results), a list of your current medications, your health insurance details (if applicable), and a form of photo identification. If you have questions you'd like to ask, it can be helpful to write them down beforehand so you don't forget.

Yes, Canterbury Surgical Specialists works with all major health insurance providers in New Zealand, including Southern Cross Health Society. If you have health insurance, we can provide you with the information you need to submit a claim or seek pre-approval for your procedure. Please bring your insurance details to your first appointment.

Once your surgery is booked, you'll attend a pre-admission appointment where our team will explain exactly how to prepare. This typically includes guidance on fasting (when to stop eating and drinking), which medications to continue or pause, what to wear and bring on the day, and any specific instructions for your procedure. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any remaining questions.

On the day of your surgery, you'll arrive at the hospital or surgical facility at the time specified by our team. You'll be greeted by nursing staff who will help you settle in, confirm your details, and prepare you for your procedure. Your surgeon will visit you before the operation to check in and answer any last-minute questions. After surgery, you'll be monitored in the recovery area until you're ready to go home or move to a ward.

Hospital stays vary depending on the type of surgery. Many modern surgical procedures are performed as day surgery, meaning you'll go home the same day. More complex procedures may require one or more nights in hospital. Your surgeon will discuss the expected length of stay with you before your operation so you can plan accordingly.

Recovery varies depending on the type of procedure. Your surgeon will provide you with a personalised recovery plan, including guidance on wound care, pain management, activity restrictions, and when you can return to work and normal activities. We'll also arrange follow-up appointments to check on your progress and make sure you're healing well.

Yes, follow-up appointments are a standard part of your care at Canterbury Surgical Specialists. Your surgeon will see you after your procedure to check your recovery, review any results (such as pathology), and answer any questions you may have. The timing of your follow-up will depend on the type of surgery, but it's typically within one to two weeks.

Your GP will typically refer you to the surgeon whose specialty best matches your condition. If you're self-referring and unsure which surgeon to see, our team can help guide you to the right specialist based on your needs. You can also view our team profiles on our website to learn more about each surgeon's areas of expertise and approach to care.