Alan Jones

Alan Jones, a GP from Southwest Scotland, has been smitten by the Canterbury culture – he’s been here twice already and next year he’s returning to establish residency.

“We first came to New Zealand in 1997 on sabbatical - we felt we needed a break from UK general practice. As we had three children, New Zealand seemed a good place to come from the point of view of safety, outdoor lifestyle and education, with no language problems.”

The Jones stayed for ten months in 1997-8, and returned for nine months in 2005-6. At that time, Alan gained residency and he is returning next year to make it permanent.
 
“The NZ health system is broadly the same as the UK. I was very impressed with the management of prescribing costs by Pharmac. The combination of public and private service providers also seems to keep waiting times for some things down, and private costs competitive. ACC's role in facilitating a quick return to work, and motivating employers to be actively involved in this was also very refreshing.”

“I really like the people, the fact that most people expect to be called by their first name, and expect to call me by mine. The ‘traditional values’ of respect, fair play, hard work, responsibility and self sufficiency that are taught from an early age are inspiring. I love that everyone is expected to be physically active in some sort of sport, even if they aren't particularly good!”

“Because most patients pay at least something for the consultation, they become more involved in the event, and value the expert opinion provided more. This is something you perhaps don’t get at home with the NHS system. More of the patients I see in New Zealand are younger, fitter and more motivated than my patients in the UK.”

“Simply put, we are returning to New Zealand, because we love the lifestyle, the people and the climate! – I think that sums it up in a nutshell.”