John Crichton, a retiree from Canterbury, has been enduring severe hip pain for over a year while waiting for a medical appointment to address the issue. The 71-year-old, who owned an engineering business in Mason’s Flat for three decades, sought help from his Amberley doctor in January last year to alleviate the pain and improve his mobility.
Initially promised an assessment by Te Whatu Ora/Health New Zealand under the public health system by May 3, 2025, John never received an appointment. After months of waiting, he considered going private for a quicker solution. However, his hopes were dashed when a private surgeon declined to operate due to his complex medical conditions.
Disheartened by the situation and reflecting on years of paying for medical insurance, John realized he had no choice but to endure the extended wait for surgery. As his pain worsened, he decided to share his story with the North Canterbury News in hopes of expediting the process. This led to a rescheduled clinical assessment appointment on February 16, following an initial offer for February 2.
Despite understanding the strain on the public health system, John emphasizes the need for reduced wait times, as living in constant pain is a challenge he wouldn’t wish on anyone. The journey towards healing continues for John as he navigates the complexities of the healthcare system, hoping for relief in the near future.
