Kolan British Hospital

Scoobydoo · Post by **Scoobydoo** » Wed 19 Dec 2012 4:25 pm

Today I received a text message from the above hospital, I think it may well be the old Medikent hospital in Gonyeli, so they gave me a website address to look on but for the life of me I cannot find the english and yet when I look at their photo slide show there is english writing there.

This is supposed to be part of a large group of hospitals in Turkey. The site is http://www.kolanbritish.com

Anyone found it? If so please let me know where I am going wrong.

PapaBravo · Post by **PapaBravo** » Wed 19 Dec 2012 4:30 pm

I tried your link with my VPN connected, and with it disconnected, and got the English version both times!

Royalcorpsoftranspor · Post by **Royalcorpsoftranspor** » Wed 19 Dec 2012 4:35 pm

Scoobydoo wrote:Today I received a text message from the above hospital, I think it may well be the old Medikent hospital in Gonyeli, so they gave me a website address to look on but for the life of me I cannot find the english and yet when I look at their photo slide show there is english writing there.

This is supposed to be part of a large group of hospitals in Turkey. The site is http://www.kolanbritish.com

Anyone found it? If so please let me know where I am going wrong.

I got the same text so i googled it & clicked on translate the page & it comes up in English.

cyprusishome · Post by **cyprusishome** » Wed 19 Dec 2012 6:25 pm

I was going to write a piece on the place anyway, so will add here.

We visited the old Medikent today to make a follow up appointment. Already knew that it had been taken over but it opened officially yesterday.

All the doctors are not in situ yet. Apparently the owners want all the doctors to be based ther full time and not half and half with state hospital. This ensures that patients will have full access to the doctor of their choice.

For those that went to Medikent or to same place as Cyprus Life you will know Huri who was the English speaking contact. Now Zali has also returned to work there you may know from a couple years ago. In addition there are at least two other admin staff who can speak English.

At this point better state that Cyprus Life is still in existence at its original site along the road. Some ofthe doctors that were working at Medikent have returned to work for Cyprus Life rather than the new owners.

The hospital has been totally rebranded as Kolan British Hospital a group based on several sites in Turkey. On the text msgs we have all received as former patients at Medikent gives the telephone number, which is the same as it has always been. There is e-mail contact available as well.

Zali and Huri told us they hope to restart the regular health checks that were initiated a while ago by Christine Offord and hope that Christine will be on board to help.

Unfortunatley could not get to see the doctor been seeing as they have not yet signed contracts as still working at state hospital. Hopefull, as they have just started business things will change after the New Year.

Philoz · Post by **Philoz** » Wed 19 Dec 2012 6:49 pm

Is it marketed specifically at the 'British' market?-given the name it is using?

andrew4232 · Post by **andrew4232** » Wed 19 Dec 2012 7:07 pm

why would any hospital need to say British hospital unless there thinking expat pay higher rates anyone think of a better reason ?

cyprusishome · Post by **cyprusishome** » Wed 19 Dec 2012 7:54 pm

The rates we were quoted for a couple of issues were cheaper than the old service offered.
We are certainly sceptical about the "British" name but their target is still largely TC and Turkish. They are the ones with the realmoney.

The one thing that they are concious of is NEU so they are going to have to be competative.
Also for us is the clinicians, sometimes it is better to pay a little more for peace of mind with the doctor who cares for you. Surgeon other half had was second to none as far as we were concerned.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Wed 19 Dec 2012 9:56 pm

I got a text message too!. i was expecting the openng of this place, and had already been asked as a Brit as to what I thought of the name. From what I can gather this is a deliberate attempt to make the British feel it is the place for them. a bit of clever P.R. So, let's see! I am sure initially the prices will be good as they are very aware of NE and also that Cyprus Life is pretty well established.
I was also told that they were deliberately getting more English speakers so that any Brits going in would feel comfortable.

But as long as they provide what people want at an affordable price then as Shakespeare said 'What's in a name?'

I am sure that all we KibKomers owuld be interested in learning of the experiences of any who go there.

Deniz1 · Post by **Deniz1** » Thu 20 Dec 2012 5:11 am

I saw it last week when in Lefkosia I think the name is misleading.

Scoobydoo · Post by **Scoobydoo** » Thu 20 Dec 2012 6:35 am

This is very strange because I have just clicked on the link again and still get turkish only, it obviously doesn't like me or I have a gremlin somewhere!!

I am tending to agree with other comments about the name and the hospitals target market ie british expats however if the staff, prices and service are good then I see no reason to try it and I will be comparing their prices with other hospitals.

I just wanted to view their website!

andrew4232 · Post by **andrew4232** » Thu 20 Dec 2012 6:39 am

am using near east hospital at the moment and there prices are not expensive when you think its state of the art stuff in there
my doctor used to recommend medikent then when it changed to cyprus life she no dont go she did not think they were as good

cyprusishome · Post by **cyprusishome** » Thu 20 Dec 2012 7:11 am

Got to agree about NEU as we had a guided tour and some of the equipment probably is not even available at at many UK hospitals.

solic200 · Post by **solic200** » Thu 20 Dec 2012 12:03 pm

I also understand that Dr Silem from the green clinic in Girne is returning to this hospital, if you can recall she has the perfect english doctor approach.

andrew4232 · Post by **andrew4232** » Thu 20 Dec 2012 12:19 pm

she is my doctor cannot find better am glad she is going back there

stellasstar1 · Post by **stellasstar1** » Thu 20 Dec 2012 1:43 pm

It's a long time since I went to see a Doctor, but did see Dr Silem at the Green Clinic. Just to be 100% sure, has she now gone to this new Hospital or NEU?

solic200 · Post by **solic200** » Thu 20 Dec 2012 4:01 pm

Stella
Dr Silem is still at the green clinic doing her surgery but I believe she will do some days at the new Kolan hospital as she done before it closed.

BrightonJim · Post by **BrightonJim** » Fri 21 Dec 2012 7:21 am

I was aware the hospital was moving: rent too high apparently.
Where is the new hospital please?

andrew4232 · Post by **andrew4232** » Fri 21 Dec 2012 7:28 am

its not moving its just been renamed it opened new as medikent then was taken over by cyprus life and now its Kolan

karmels · Post by **karmels** » Fri 21 Dec 2012 12:44 pm

Just found out from my doctor I will be going into the Kolan hospital on the 12th of Jan for a opp, so will let you know what the new hospital is like, for treatment, room and food.

If you don't see a reply by the middle of Jan give it a miss.

andrew4232 · Post by **andrew4232** » Sat 22 Dec 2012 9:44 am

mel i hope its nothing too serious i asume there just trying to open your wallet

karmels · Post by **karmels** » Sat 22 Dec 2012 10:24 am

HI Andrew.

They have no chance of that, I am still on spends from Karen.

Only having a opp on my ear again, It should only be a couple of days, had the opp done before in the state hospital but they didn't use the use the right size of drill.

Are you now open, if so will try to come and see you?

Mel.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Sat 22 Dec 2012 10:48 am

Personally, I am fed up being bombarded with text messages about the place. The medics that I used at Cyprus Life who then went over to the old Medikent are now back (in the main I believe at Cyprus Life. Obviously if one is shopping for the specialist of one's choice, then the hospital doesn't matter. As I understand it is a large group in Turkey that have b ought it, and have put in the name British - possibly to give us confidence in them.

As I am fortunate that I am rarely ill (needing hospitalization) I strongly suspect I would go the State hospital anyway where most of the specialists have to spend time working. Of course it might be different for Kolan being of Turkish origins.

But it will be interesting to hear just what treatment people get and whether affordable and good, or even better than the others.

flowerfairy · Post by **flowerfairy** » Sun 23 Dec 2012 9:06 am

As you know Marion, my family have experience of using both Medikent and the state hospital. Medikent, as it was called then, is like having
medical treatment in a 5* hotel. The cost of the surgeon would have been the same if we'd stayed in Lefcosia state hospital, but the costs
of the theatre, accomodation etc. were a lot higher.
As for changing the name CIH, you can't get a much more English name that Near East University or Cyprus Life.
There is no price to be put on your health, I suppose it depends on the severity of your illness as to which hospital you decide
to use.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Sun 23 Dec 2012 6:13 pm

You are right flower Fairy, but knowing that quite a few Brits are going back to u.K because they realise they would not be able to afford hospitalisation if anything serious were to occur - and the older one gets the more likely it could happen. Unfortunatley, although you are aboslutley correct that you cannot put a price on health, for some people it is unaffordable. Rising prices and shrinking incomes. And one hears o f people paying out thousands of lira and then the person dies anyway, and the family have spent a lot of money for no real gain (apart for less pain for their loved ones0.

Very difficult indeed. I must admit I find the idea a bit frightening because I know if I got anything really major, I would not be able to afford the treatment, like poor Len (remember?).

But a good hospital is a good hospital - but I still feel using the word 'British' in the title of a Turkish hospital is a bit misleadng.

Waiting to hear of people who have had treatment.

Oh, and have a wonderful Christmas FF and a healthy and happy 2013.

nurseawful · Post by **nurseawful** » Sat 05 Jan 2013 9:41 am

I will be doing the Health Checks again this year and at this hospital as it is the building I have used since it opened. I have had a couple of meetings with the new owners who's surname is Kolan. They have quite an impressive CV and lots of experience in this field.

Doesn't really matter what you think of the name but I bet you will remember it.

They now have a team of English speaking doctors in-situ, they are cheaper for a consultation than the hospital was 4 years ago. They still have some work to do but I believe that they will try to make it the best here in North Cyprus.

I have agreed to do some training with the nurses so that you will get the 'care' that you would expect to find in a good UK hospital. There will always be a language barrier so we will have pain charts etc in situ in the near future.

Food I will broach that subject next time I am on site. Can I have suggestions to pass on regarding this. My thinking is cereal and toast for breakfast instead of the usual hospital breakfast served in NC hospitals.

If for any reason you can't get through to the hospital during working hours you can call me and I will get the hospital to call you back. 0533 884 5621

Chris

Deniz1 · Post by **Deniz1** » Sat 05 Jan 2013 3:09 pm

I was bombarded with text messages from them before Christmas yesterday they called me to tell me about their services. i am sorry but I dont want my private number given out to just anyone I am going to complain to Turkcell a waste of time I know.

Scoobydoo · Post by **Scoobydoo** » Sat 05 Jan 2013 3:25 pm

Deniz1,

I received a call but I assumed it was because I once went for a health check at the old Medikent and no doubt they have all the old records.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Sat 05 Jan 2013 7:16 pm

I am fuming that I got a call today, just as I was getting ready to go out. Thee text messages were bad enough, but to cold sell is just too much. I would not darken their doors but stay with Cyprus Life if I need medical attention). I have been so happy here in Cyprus without loads of junk mail and not having my life interuppted by telephone sales people. It seems as if this is the British bit they have imported - ogtherwise tthe hospital is all Turkish. I don't think one can complain to the telephone company - reckon thi hospital has got the names of past patients etc. Not good PR in my opinion.

so please if there are any special check ups on offer could they be somewhere else????

I am quite surprised at my own reaction to this. I tolkd the nice lady who phoned that as a reporter I knew all i wanted to go, but she stll tried to give me more details. I know she was doing her job, but the call left a nasty taste in my mouth.

silly me - but I was just so disappointed thatt they are using these techniques to get customers - and let's face it they are taking away customers from other hospitals or trying to)

Deniz1 · Post by **Deniz1** » Sat 05 Jan 2013 7:29 pm

I have never been a patient there or any other hospital come to that.I did book a health check once through nurseawful about 18months ago which I
had to cancel maybe the number was passed on from that. I am still annoyed about it.

mahdel · Post by **mahdel** » Sat 05 Jan 2013 8:32 pm

Seems a bit uncouth for a hospital to try and drum up business. A bit like an undertaker asking after an ill relative. I think the British in the name is in the hope that everyone, not just the expats, will associate it with higher quality, "western" hospitals. I, personally, use Near East though I have a work permit and am able to use state services. I do for some things, but for urgent or more important things that require more specialized expertise it's NE for me. I've damaged the nerves in my left arm and have used their neurologist and physical therapy department and I found the rates quite reasonable. I've only ever paid for the first consultation with the neurologist, both subsequent short follow-up visits and tests with him weren't charged. Also their physical therapy rates were the same as my local private physio but the equipment and surroundings were much, much better. I'd say considering what they offer NE is a great value, though I haven't needed surgery or inpatient care so couldn't speak on that. I saw they're also giving away free heart checks to NE Bank customers. I thought that was nice, as I already use them for savings since they offered a full point better than Creditwest had been giving me, and it's a much better way to get customers than cold calling.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Sat 05 Jan 2013 9:11 pm

yOU ARE PROBABLY CORRECT IN THAT DENIZ 1. I think it is a 'cheek' and I am very disappointed in their techniques to sell the place. Cyprus is small enough for good news to get around anyway. But that is just my opinion. Perhaps I am out of date in my thinking, but if I want to know something I do my research and then make a decision. I do not like information I do not want thrust upon me.

As I say this is just my personal opinion which others may not share, but I just HATE telephone sales.

DieHard · Post by **DieHard** » Sun 06 Jan 2013 9:46 am

Marian I do not understand your comment "they are taking custom away", Medikent as a hospital has been there a while, several people were pleased to go there for "cheap" check ups, they have now changed owners, not opened a new hospital. Competition is essential to be able to have good choices.

cyprusishome · Post by **cyprusishome** » Sun 06 Jan 2013 12:46 pm

Deniz1,
If you booked a health check your details would have been put on the hospital data base and that will be why you have been contacted. It is nothing underhand or whatever, Chris was just the initial contact she just took your details and passed them to the hospital.

Not had a phone call but plenty of text msgs, I hated cold calling in UK and same applies here. If I want health care I will contact them. However I have a friend who had a phone call at the time they were looking for some help and the hospital sorted things there and then for him.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Sun 06 Jan 2013 2:16 pm

sorry Diehard, but they are trying to get customers by whatever means. I am fortunate that I am rarely ill, but went to Cyprus Life when it was at MediKent, and if I need help I will go back to Cyplrus Life in its former building, so as far as I am concerned they are touting me to go to them instead of an organisation with which I was happy.
as new owners, I think it is a bit 'off' to have been given the names and details of former patients . to advertise in the Press on radio on telly, etc, but the way they are doing it is an invasion of privacy. I have NOT given my details to Kolan British Hospital. Had I done so, then I could undferstand their contacting me. And by the way, neither Cyprus Life nor Medikent tried such techniques. (Nor Near East). so I feel that KBH is 'poaching '.

nurseawful · Post by **nurseawful** » Sun 06 Jan 2013 2:37 pm

Well what a bloody hullabaloo about a phone call! It would have been easy to say 'sorry I don't have time to talk and please don't phone me back'. For goodness sake all they are doing is trying to provide a service for the ex-pat community is that so wrong?

It took me almost 2 years to find a hospital that would do what were initially womens health weeks and at that time it was only Medikent that agreed and thank goodness they did as lives have been saved. They were willing to take a risk as this concept had never been tried before here in TRNC. When Cyprus Life then leased the building from Medikent, I stayed with the hospital as it is a small but really well equipped hospital and i know the staff. For this reason I am staying with the building for the third time and the owners are prepared to let me do the health checks again, also go with other suggestions such as an asthma and diabetic clinic. They have already dropped the price of a consultation by 25% and are doing cardiac checks at discount prices.

The name of the hospital in my opinion is irrelevant, if anyone doesn't like the name tough, it's the service it provides that is important.

Re them having your telephone numbers did you ever consider that they may have been given to them from Medikent or Cyprus Life. I don't know where they got them but will find out for you all. And will pass on your concerns re. the calls. Rant over.

Chris

Marion as you should know hospitals are not allowed to advertise in the press here, with the exception of Near East.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Sun 06 Jan 2013 3:20 pm

I did as you suggested Chris, and was polite, as the girl was doing her job, but I just HATE AND ABHOR the intrusion into my life of people tryikng to slel me something. However, I have suggested that they might like to advertise on KibKom (or any other forum), but I do not see why Near East are allowed to advertise in the press and others are not. A bit unfair, isn't it?

So what has happened with Cyprus Life? Are they not offering anything now?

As to getting details, I strongly suspect they were on the hospital data base. How they got there is another matter, as it was probably form varying source,s such as those who enquired about health service,s those who received health services, and those whose names found their way through the health checks that you arranged.

and it is good that they are using more 'barrow boy tactics ' now, with offering discounts and ensuring they have people coming. The equipment must cost a fortune. I went to Acebadem in Adana the other year and that seemed to have loads of extremely expensive equipment that was underused.

But on a personal (and touch of further hullabaloo) I DO hope that cold calling is not going to reachhere, as I shall answer my phone only to those I know - and there leads a path to paranoia!

stellasstar1 · Post by **stellasstar1** » Mon 07 Jan 2013 10:35 am

I do agree with both Marion and Chris. I didn't like it when I gold a cold call from the hospital as immediately double glazing sales came to mind, but Chris I do understand what you are saying as well. I think we have just got used to living without all the junk mail and sales calls, and while I only occasionally get leaflets put in my PO. Box, and the odd email selling insurance, I have never had a cold call here, and it was a shock to the system.

nurseawful · Post by **nurseawful** » Mon 07 Jan 2013 10:44 am

I have spoken to the hospital this morning and passed on all concerns about the calls, so hopefully they will now stop.

Chris

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Mon 07 Jan 2013 1:09 pm

a huge thank you Chris. Much appreciated. Probably they do not realise that many of us are happy to leave behind certain aspects of our former lives.

But thanks so much for sorting this. and thanks for all that you do for the community. Hope you will be blessed for it during 2013.

belle · Post by **belle** » Mon 07 Jan 2013 1:14 pm

Andrew I totally agree with your comments, I just wonder who is making money out of promoting this place, noone does anything for nothing. I know people who have been told they need operations when there was nothing wrong with them, be careful and get a second opinion.

belle · Post by **belle** » Mon 07 Jan 2013 1:16 pm

nurseawful wrote:Well what a bloody hullabaloo about a phone call! It would have been easy to say 'sorry I don't have time to talk and please don't phone me back'. For goodness sake all they are doing is trying to provide a service for the ex-pat community is that so wrong?

It took me almost 2 years to find a hospital that would do what were initially womens health weeks and at that time it was only Medikent that agreed and thank goodness they did as lives have been saved. They were willing to take a risk as this concept had never been tried before here in TRNC. When Cyprus Life then leased the building from Medikent, I stayed with the hospital as it is a small but really well equipped hospital and i know the staff. For this reason I am staying with the building for the third time and the owners are prepared to let me do the health checks again, also go with other suggestions such as an asthma and diabetic clinic. They have already dropped the price of a consultation by 25% and are doing cardiac checks at discount prices.

The name of the hospital in my opinion is irrelevant, if anyone doesn't like the name tough, it's the service it provides that is important.

Re them having your telephone numbers did you ever consider that they may have been given to them from Medikent or Cyprus Life. I don't know where they got them but will find out for you all. And will pass on your concerns re. the calls. Rant over.

Chris

(
Marion as you should know hospitals are not allowed to advertise in the press here, with the exception of Near East.

A little tetchy eh Nurseawful,

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Mon 07 Jan 2013 4:47 pm

I appreciate what is being said about trying to provide a service for ex pats, but all these services were here already. I wouldlove to think they are 100% altruistic , but I still feel this is a business and they are going to try to make sure they are top dog. Business is business and if that helps others, then all well and good, but as I say, all those services were here before. of course if Kolan can make them cheap enough then they willbe doing a great service to the ex pat community, but I appreciate how expensive the equipment they have is.
What they are offering sounds good, and according to a posting by Chris they are making a great offer, but it cannot be denied that they are trying to get customers from other medical facilities to go to them.
But it does give another choice.and it will be interesting to hear form people who go there how it compares with other hospitals.

And by the way no one has to agree or disagree with me. I am merely stating some thoughts here.

cyprusishome · Post by **cyprusishome** » Mon 07 Jan 2013 5:37 pm

I do not think the newly branded unit is trying to take custom from others specifically, they are simply using the database that they have acquired in the purchase ie the records of those that previously went to Medikent. You are reading too much into what is happening, the new owners are telling old clients who they are and what they are doing. This is no different to any other business acquisition.

Both self and other half went to the health checks Chris Offord organised and glad we did, especially other half who did need surgery. We have kept in touch with the admin staff, Huri and Zali, who have helped us whenever we had a health related query. They have guided us to appropriate clinicians where required.

As in any business there is competition and obvioulsy the new owners will need to do some work to bring back clients who have gone elswhere as Cyprus Life went down hill and try to bring in new clients. The unit is not as large as NEU and does not have the equipment that is offered at NEU but they can offer a small unit with a much more client based focus.

For those that have not been, just go and have a look I am sure the staff would be happy to give you a quick tour if not too busy. Also take advantage of the Health Checks being offered, if you have not had the need to see a doctor recently it is worth going just for peace of mind and to get to know the staff there in case.......Do not forget, you do not need to see a GP before seeing a hospital consultant just phone and make an appointment. I did recently because of small issue with the aging water works, straight in to see Urologist.

I do not understand the "conspiracy theory" that seems to be going on here regarding the takeover of this unit by a company from Turkey, other than the name which I have voiced my opinion to the hospital. Either go there and try their services or, unless you have FIRST HAND experience then just give them a chance.

spider · Post by **spider** » Mon 07 Jan 2013 7:04 pm

I have no idea how they could have gotten my phone number as it would not have been on any database ? Maybe someone can let us have the truth and nothing but the truth I will keep their number though just in case it may be needed !

How did they get their numbers they are contacting ?

Spider,X

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Mon 07 Jan 2013 7:23 pm

quite understand what you are saying, but I have been a patient of cyprus Life only, and do not see why I would want to change - assuming I need further medical help. I thought the hospital that 'went down' was MediKent. But I guess it doesn't matter at all.

also for all other things for my husband we go to the Kaminoglu in town which seems to have the only specialist for dealing with my husband's proiblems. we had a far better one in Australia, but we are not there now, so accept what is on offer. But prices are going up so much these days, and I know if my husband could find a better deal elsewhere he would, but.......

If nothing else Kolan has certainly got their name heard very quickly.

belle · Post by **belle** » Mon 07 Jan 2013 9:02 pm

I think the question that needs to be asked is who stands to make out of promoting this hospital!!!

cyprusishome · Post by **cyprusishome** » Mon 07 Jan 2013 9:13 pm

The same as all hospitals here, other than state, THE OWNERS!!!!!!!!!! Who do you think will benefit the hospitals are ALL privatley owned.

belle I have just read your post on thread about health checks and it becomes obvious that you are short on memory or simply taking the rise.

sophie · Post by **sophie** » Mon 07 Jan 2013 9:29 pm

Just to take the sting out of some of the comments in this thread, my thoughts went out to the poor woman or women who must have had to go through the same old spiel time after time after time, and still sound as if you are the first person whe's spoken to all day. It isn't easy and I can't grumble, my call came through when I was sitting out in the sun having quick cuppa. She was informative, polite and answered a couple of my questions without any difficulty. Obviously my number was on the Medikent Database. BTW, have you ever tried to stop the endless texts (sometime 4 or 5 a day) that come from The Cratos Hotel. Seemingly impossible!!

belle · Post by **belle** » Mon 07 Jan 2013 10:24 pm

cyprusishome wrote:The same as all hospitals here, other than state, THE OWNERS!!!!!!!!!! Who do you think will benefit the hospitals are ALL privatley owned.

belle I have just read your post on thread about health checks and it becomes obvious that you are short on memory or simply taking the rise.

Wow the short temper concerning this place seems to be spreading

PapaBravo · Post by **PapaBravo** » Tue 08 Jan 2013 4:32 pm

Chris (Nurseawful),

Thank you for your posts and also for the work you are doing in getting better medical health for expats. I too had a text and email from Kolan but have no problem with this as the hospital is simply letting us know that they have taken over from Medikent/Cyprus Life. I, for one, am glad that I have another choice when it comes to medical treatment.

Keep up the good work.

PB

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