Patient Stories
Real Irish Patients. Real Results.
Don’t take our word for it. Here are the stories of Irish patients who were facing years on a waiting list — and chose DHKC instead. They came to Amsterdam, had their surgery, and went home pain-free. These are their words.
John — Cork — Hip Replacement
“Following a consultation in Cork in October 2025, I was advised that I would be waiting approximately four years to get my hip replaced, as I did not have health insurance. I visited my own GP on Tuesday 11th November, and on hearing my predicament he told me about the Cross Border Directive. My GP gave me a very positive report about DHKC and that evening I had a lengthy phone conversation with their representative in Ireland, Sarah Hyde.”
“On December 3rd I had my hip replaced in Amsterdam and on December 6th I was back home. It was all as simple as that. My only advice to anyone who has a hip or knee issue requiring surgery, is to enquire at your own GP or look into DHKC.”
★★★★★ — John, Cork
Margaret — Hip Replacement
“From start to finish my experience with a hip replacement with the Dutch Hip and Knee Clinic in Amsterdam was a very positive experience. The level of care, professionalism and genuine compassion shown by everyone from the surgeon, nurses and physiotherapist exceeded every expectation. The surgical team was world class. They took the time to explain every step of the procedure. The nursing staff were absolute angels, nothing was too much trouble.”
“I’m now walking pain free. Highly recommended to anyone considering hip replacement surgery — you will be in the best hands with the Dutch Hip and Knee Clinic.”
★★★★★ — Margaret
Mary — Hip Replacement
“I found the experience absolutely wonderful and I must mention Helen and Sarah — they went above and beyond, nothing was too much for them. The care in the hospital was unbelievable, from the nurses to the physiotherapists, and my surgeon was fantastic. When I got home the aftercare was also amazing. I can’t thank everyone enough. I’m now pain free and have got my life back.”
★★★★★ — Mary
Joyce — Hip Replacement (Anterior Approach)
“It was a very good experience and all went well. I am very grateful to have had the hip replacement done using the anterior approach, in such a professional manner. It is very difficult to have that in Ireland and it was my preferred option. I am delighted it is behind me now, with my recovery going very well.”
★★★★★ — Joyce
A Patient — Full Hip Replacement, September 2025
“I had a full hip replacement with DHKC in September 2025. Both the surgeon and the clinic were excellent. The additional 3 days care provided afterwards by the Kim Zorghotel — a fantastic facility at a beautiful location — was extremely helpful to get started with the essential rehabilitation process. Onsite nursing care and physiotherapy were included, as well as tasty and very healthy food in a friendly hotel environment.”
“With waiting lists in Ireland being the way they are for this kind of surgery, making use of this HSE Treatment Abroad option is worthy of your consideration.”
★★★★★
What Irish Patients Say About Amsterdam vs Spain
Many Irish patients research both the Netherlands and Spain as destinations for CBD surgery. Here is what our patients consistently tell us about why they chose Amsterdam and DHKC:
- Short flight, easy travel: Dublin to Amsterdam is under 2 hours — less tiring than longer journeys, especially for someone in pain.
- Anterior hip approach available: Several patients specifically sought out DHKC because we offer the anterior approach to hip replacement, which is not always available in Spain.
- Dedicated orthopaedic specialists: DHKC focuses exclusively on hips and knees. We are not a general surgery clinic.
- The Kim Zorghotel: Our medically supervised recovery hotel is a unique facility that provides nursing care, physiotherapy, and rest in one place — something patients describe as life-changing.
- Direct surgeon contact: Our chief surgeon Michiel van Trommel maintains personal contact with patients before, during, and after surgery — a level of care that consistently surprises and delights Irish patients.
Want to Speak to a Former Patient?
We understand that making the decision to have surgery abroad is a big step. If it would help, we can arrange for you to speak with one of our former Irish patients by phone — someone who has been through the exact same process and can answer your questions from personal experience. Just ask Sarah when you call.
📞 Call Sarah Hyde (Ireland): 087 002 9686
📞 Clinic: +31 20 209 0332
📧 Send us a message