Purrball

Hi there. First post, so please be gentle!

I'm a Kiwi, but have lived in the UK for over 20 years in addition to other years spent in other countries. I've spent more than half my life living outside NZ, so not sure who I really am, to be honest. But I feel like a Brit, I guess, so perhaps this is the place to be!

Been thinking of returning to NZ on a permanent basis within the next 4-5 years to be closer to some friends and family. I returned back to NZ for the first time in 23 years last year and found a lot to like and a lot to not like, especially the alarming cost of living, lack of work in my field outside Auckland (where I'd rather not live), and the bluntness of many people.

However it's where I was born... and, if I'm going to be honest, I'd probably rather see out my days over there as I'm not sure if I want to be dealing with British winters when I'm in my 60s and 70s. Better to move back in my mid-50s and give myself time to settle in and rebuild a new life, instead of waiting until I retire, when big life changes could be even more of a stretch.

I have a long and complex medical history. Has anyone managed to successfully transfer their medical or patient GP records from the UK to New Zealand? If so, was it straigtforward? My GP here in London keeps all records electronically.

Thanks for any advice.

escapedtonz

Hi,
In our case we paid for paper copies of all our GP electronic records in the UK and handed over the copies to the GP in NZ.
Think they were GPB35.00 each or thereabouts.

Regards,

moonie2011

Do we need to transfer general medical records?

jmh

Hi. I was in a similar position. Moved to UK in 1986, moved back in 2011!! I felt very much like a Brit which is why I came to this forum like you. I have dual nationality and spent the same amount of time living in both countries. My reasons were similar - to be near family. I probably need to do a follow up post about how it's been from the point of view of a returning kiwi.

I knew that I wanted to sort of step away from a corporate career so I started my own business which has been successful and given me an awesome quality of life, which is what I was looking for.

I'm surprised to hear your comment about bluntness. I've only experience this from some South African clients. Kiwi's are generally pretty reserve IMO.

I've not transferred my records because I never go to the doc! I assume you've looked into the costs of medical care which you don't have at the moment. If not, may I point you in that direction.

It has been lovely going to family events and meeting up with my large extended family. I felt sad every time I saw weddings on facebook as it brought home to me how much I was missing.

Any questions, ask away.

MrsFychan

If you have a complicated medical history I would say get your notes, GP's just print them off their system, they can charge what they like up to £50. I got all ours, just being nosey really don't even think I have passed them onto the surgery ? but I have them if anything major comes up.

Purrball

Oh OK. Seems straightforward, although in my case that could add another kilo or two to any flight baggage allowance! Kinda hoped there might be an electronic way to do it, but there might be sound reasons why this might be problematic.


Depends on your circumstances, I guess. For me, moving to NZ with ongoing health concerns isn't a problem, because I'm still an NZ citizen. Those who are proper expats have a different set of rules for emigrating, as I understand.

I've had a number of surgical procedures, tons of different consultants over the years, am on ongoing medication and need regular tests so it's best to have some form of paper trail for any new GP, I feel. Bless the NHS, though.


Yep. Takes a trip back to NZ to understand how you've been shaped and changed by living in the UK. All the things you've become used to, especially living in London, and although everything was instantly familiar, I also felt like a stranger and at sea for some parts. Felt sorta at home, but also a slightly-removed observer, especially seeing how much had changed and yet, in other ways, how little had moved on. It was odd and I'm still struggling with my feelings about the country.


I'd love to read that post if you have the time.


That's great. I may have to rejig my ideas of what's left of my career or retrain or perhaps even start my own business... or even take up a new field. I'm fairly sure that I don't want to live in Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch, so that will have a bearing on how things pan out. For now, the idea of either Nelson or Napier seems pretty groovy to me, where it's warmer, quieter and I can start a new life.


Perhaps bluntness is the wrong word. A little naivety and a lack of tact and discretion, perhaps? Not sure if I can capture the feeling adequately and put it into words, but it was a common thread I noticed while travelling around. It's no big deal, though.


Yes, I've done some reading and may have to work out the cheapest way of ensuring ongoing care. Fortunately, it's not like I'm going there sight unseen, so I'll have a few friends to ask for advice as well as family.


Thank you. As I'm still 4-5 years away from potentially moving, I won't be posting here too often, but it's nice to know that this seems a cool place for advice and support.


Super. Good to know others have dealt with the same problem. Thank you.

Chris-Napier

Hi, I emigrated to NZ in 2007 and before I left UK, I asked my doctor if I could have my medical records to bring over with me. He said that this was not generally done but if any information was required from a NZ doctor at any time ,this could be requested and sent over.

Stormer999

My UK NHS GP merrily handed me over 3 dozen printed sheets to bring over which I scanned and put on a stick. As he pointed out it would be difficult to correctly look after a patient without medical history......no charge...

nero

The reason for this is that NZ GPs do not use the same GP system as the UK so the electronic data would be as good as useless. Anyone with a complex medical history should get a summary of their care so far from their GP / Hospital Consultants to ensure continuity of care when moving to a new country.

If you have a complex medical history and still require lots of healthcare you may wish to think where you live. As some towns have only basic healthcare facilities (which is fine) but it means that if you need anything more complex you may need to travel to one of the cities (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin). Just a thought

Good luck with your plans

babybella

Hi,
We too were returning NZ citizens (Im UK born) Hubby and kids born here. To be very honest if I had complex medical needs, I doubt I would pick to come here. Our youngest is Type 1 diabetic and while sure it is only $5 per item, you need a lot of items. He gets 2 free specialist check up's a year. We have to see a doctor or when we can get a repeat script (just the repeat cost $28, then $5 per item on top). ACC works if you qualify, our son waited 14 months for a knee opp, constant dislocation.
There is no additional sickness benefit he can apply for (after 18) which is not based purely on disability and additional costs incurred by this.
I too say thank God for the national health service in the UK, guess it really is one of those things you don't appreciate until you don't have it anymore.
Good luck with your decision
Kaz

ChrisWilson7

I got a summary of my complete records from my GP in Chester for £10. Didn't need the more detailed stuff. Hopefully that should do you ok.

Purrball

Thanks for all the advice and help, everyone.


I wouldn't describe them as complex, but they need taking into account and looking into standards of care over there. The main reason for moving is to be closer to friends and family, my mother, sisters and my nephews, all of which you can't put a price on... and for better weather, more space and a simpler life. Despite all my years in the UK, I'm still a Kiwi at heart and all things being equal, I think I would rather see out my days over there. Perhaps.

babybella

You are right you can't put a price on that. To be fair the only major cost we have encountered here is the fact you have to pay to see a GP. Script fees are actually cheaper than the UK at $5 per item. After 10 scripts you get an exemption card which means any other items are free for the rest of the year. Main difference for us was being diabetic we didn't pay any medical costs for our son. However all things weighed up, our life in NZ is so much better than our life in the UK. We put the question to the family at the weekend and all the boys said they are glad we came back (even the diabetic 17 year old, who got dumped into year 12 here at school).
Good luck
Kaz

breadbabe

Hi there

Have read with interest these chats as I too am in a similar situation. Been living in the UK for 22 yrs and was 25 when I left so half and half. I have always felt a foreigner in the UK and yet love some of the life here and expect that I may feel a bit the same going the other way....we are planning to arrive in NZ in Sept 2013.

I would like to ask - what were the challenges you found moving back to NZ after so long away? What have been the benefits of moving for you? Do you have kids and if so how have they managed the move?

Sorry for all the questions - it's nice to see there are others like me in NZ with a similar kind of history.

I am expecting to take time to adjust to being in a much smaller country....

M_and_M

I brought over my medical records from the UK, which i paid 10GBP to have printed out. THe full records stay in archives in the UK for if I ever need them.