The Kingsbridge Private Hospital offers treatment that is fully reimbursed by the HSE
Tommy Cooke from Blanchardstown
A cross border information meeting is coming to Dublin to help the public learn how they can access fast, high-quality medical treatment in Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme is available to those living in Ireland who have been referred or are on waiting lists with the HSE, and is fully reimbursed. It can also be accessed by those with health insurance.
The information meeting is coming to Ballyfermot Civic Centre today, April 16, from 9:30am to 3:30pm. It will be hosted by Kingsbridge Private Hospital.
Tommy Cooke, 70, from Blanchardstown, had hip surgery in Kingsbridge in September 2024. He had been on a waiting list for 18 months, and the pain had become too much.
He said: “I felt like my life was on hold. The pain was constant — I couldn’t walk properly, couldn’t sleep, and even simple things like going to the supermarket became a struggle. But everything changed once I discovered Kingsbridge. I had my surgery and was back home in my own bed the next day. It gave me my life back.
“I didn’t know this scheme existed until someone told me. If I had known sooner, I wouldn’t have spent so long in pain. These events are a great way to get clear, simple information and take that first step.”
Mr Laurence Cusick, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Kingsbridge Private Hospital, said: “Hip arthritis can have a profound impact on a patient’s mobility, independence and overall wellbeing. In Tommy’s case, his joint degeneration was significantly limiting his daily life.
“A total hip replacement is a highly effective procedure that relieves pain and restores function. What stands out with Tommy is his commitment to rehabilitation – early mobilisation and adherence to physiotherapy play a crucial role in achieving such an excellent recovery. Seeing patients return to work, walking and travelling again so quickly is exactly why we do what we do.”
Recent research commissioned by Kingsbridge shows that 76% of Dublin residents have never heard of the NIPHS, highlighting a significant gap in awareness. Mark Regan, CEO of Kingsbridge Healthcare Group, said: “With waiting lists continuing to impact patients across the Republic, it is vital that people know there are alternative pathways available. We regularly hear from patients like Tommy who tell us they simply weren’t aware this option existed. Our aim with events like this is to ensure people have the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.”
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