Tēnā koutou
Welcome to this Braemar Charitable Trust April 2026 update, designed for our generous donors and supporters, our Friends of Braemar.
Free health checks, specialists and kai...oh my!
Hauora Days focus on promoting health and wellbeing across many people at once and enabling those in remote areas to access specialist care.
We've been involved in several Hauora Days where we enable patients to access specialist appointments or procedures they've been waiting for in the community and in a way that suits them and their whānau.
In March, we tagged along with specialists who volunteered their time and skill in Taumarunui, Tokoroa and Te Kūiti and let us tell you, the buzz of these days is nothing short of amazing. There are free oral health, hearing, diabetes and heart checks, skin lesion clinics, social support and so much more. Adding to the vibes are fun family activities, prizes, and kai – lots of kai. You can read more about the behind the scenes action here.
Pictured is Trust Manager Paula Baker with general and colorectal surgeon Ralph Van Dalen in Tokoroa. Ralph saw 12 patients in one day, and of these 12, 10 were taken off the public waiting list for specialist referral. Across the three days, 43 specialist consults were provided, and many of these patients may have faced a much longer wait to be seen in the public system.
Innovative care in action
Most of us will struggle with a health issue at some time in our life, either our own or that of a loved family member or friend. As our population continues to grow, so too does the pressure on our public health system. This year, we have spent time focusing on how we can continue to use the skills of our wonderful specialists to respond to the changing health needs of our communities. Our unique ability to be nimble and operate outside of the traditional system means we can think differently about how we approach healthcare. As a result, we've enabled many eligible patients to access their first consult with a specialist, for free, which many would have waited months to receive. This is innovative healthcare in action, and something we'll continue to expand on in the months to come - watch this space!
My sincere thanks for your support of Braemar Charitable Trust.
Vicky McLennan, Chair
Braemar Charitable Trust
Community Surgery stats: The numbers are in
April marks the start of the new financial year, which means new numbers to crunch! We are delighted to share we have seen a more than 40% increase in the number of surgeries and procedures undertaken compared to last year, with a more than 30% increase in referral numbers. This has been enabled by the generous specialists, anaesthetists and clinical staff we are lucky to work with, who have together donated more than 700 volunteer hours. These are outstanding figures, and we reckon they'll only continue upwards in the years to come - all thanks to your support!
Your support is changing lives
Here is a note we received recently from a Community Surgery patient:
"I've always been the caretaker to people in my life, but over the past few years I've gotten used to hearing the words 'no, we can't help you.' Finding out I would receive this free surgery - well, I felt like I'd won Lotto! I am so grateful, you have no idea what this means to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Miles of smiles for refugee
A former refugee is pain free and sporting a dazzling smile thanks to your support.
Portrait honours Braemar founder in 100th year
A portrait of Braemar Hospital's "pioneering and determined" founder Sister Frances Young has been unveiled in celebration of the Hospital's 100th anniversary in 2026.
Request your surgery is at Braemar Hospital
Patients who are self-funding private hospital treatment or have health insurance can request to have their procedure performed at Braemar Hospital. Just ask your GP to refer you to a specialist who is credentialed to work at Braemar Hospital (there are more than 200), and ask your specialist to have your procedure at Braemar. Hospital fees are reinvested in the hospital, with a portion going to its owner, Braemar Charitable Trust, to use for charitable purposes through activities such as providing free surgeries, scholarships and investing in medical research. Every procedure at Braemar Hospital contributes to improving wider health outcomes in the Waikato region.
Braemar Charitable Trust will send Friends of Braemar communications on a semi-regular basis. If you have feedback or questions for us, please email us, we would love to hear from you.
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