Belgium

Brugge is called 'the Venice of the North'. This splendid medieval city is one of Belgium's crown jewels. In no other European city are the feel and  look of medieval times so present as here. You can spend time at one of the many restaurants on the square sitting watching people going about their daily business and have a pleasant meal and/or drink. Or spend time wandering through the many narrow side streets browsing the excellent clothes, shoe and confectionary shops as well as the many gift shops there are to be found. From the square you can have a horse and carrigae ride, the guide will also give you an historical talk along the way of all the sights you see.

The Surgeon

 Bruno Dillemans, Bariatrc Surgeon

Belgium is a member of the European Union, therefore you are protected by the same legal and medical regulations as if you had the surgery in Britain.

In Belgium it takes a total of 12 years to become a surgeon, seven of these years are spent at medical school and the remaining five years are spent in the elected specialist field. 
Consultants in Belgium must have accreditation granted to them by the Minister Of Public Health, further training has to be undertaken to obtain this. Consultants have to be on the official register of Surgical Specialists and have a valid diploma alongside the official registration to practice.

Surgeons accreditation can be checked at the society for plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

The surgeon, Dr Bruno Dillemans,who undertakes all of the bariatric surgeries, has performed to date over 9000 bariatric procedures and often trains surgeons from the UK as well as other european countries the best methods for performing bariatric surgery. With out a doubt, Bruno Dillemans is one of the top if not the top bariatric surgeon within Europe. Bruno is passionate about his work and indeed watching him perform the various weightloss surgeries is almost like watching an artist at work! You can be assured that should you decide to have your weight loss surgery in Belgium you will be undertaking your surgery in the best possible hands.

Dr Bruno Dillemans CV - click here for CV

The Hospital

 Outside view of the hospital

The hospital we work with in Brugge is the equivalent to our NHS hospitals, however the standards are to a far higher standard to that found in the UK, both private and state surgeries are undertaken at the hospital. Usually you will be in a small ward of just four beds, however at a supplement you can have a private room. All of the staff are extremely friendly and proffesional, the nursing staff that deal with you speak fluent English and your care and confort is their priority, nursing staff are trained to the same high standards as that in the UK. The hospital is equiped with the highest quality equipment, it has its own heliport and its mission is to provide the highest standard of healthcare in Flanders. The hospital has its own restaurant where a 3 course meal can be purchased by your relatives for no more than 10 euro's, selectons of sanwiches, salads, soft drinks, wines and beer are also sold at the restaurant based on the ground floor. The hopsital also houses several small shops where toiletries, newspapers, stationary etc can be purchased.

 Reception at the hospital

At the hospital you will also meet the dietician and other nursing staff that will guide you through the required knowledge not only for pre operative surgery, the surgery itself and immediate post operative information and advise, but are also contactable at any time once you have returned to the UK for advise or assistance, this can be completed by you contacting the nursing staff or dieticians directly by phone or e-mail, alternatively contact us and we can make the communication for you. This is all within your surgery price.

Of course we have aftercare facilities available to you throughout the UK at a selection of locations within England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales, this is an additional service and there are various prices for aftercare depending upon the type of surgery you have had. Please call for further information.

Escort

At specific times/dates we offer an escort for patients having surgery in Brugge, this is undertaken with larger groups having surgery, one of the PR Surgery team will be with you at the start of your surgery experience, assisting with your pre-operative consultation and booking in process through to ensuring you are booked in comfortably on the day of surgery, as well as assisiting in setteling you into your hotel. Please speak to representative regarding the escort system.

If you prefer to undertake your surgery at a time one of the team from the UK will not be escorting patients then all of your needs will be taken care by our Belgium representaive.

Aftercare

We at PR Surgery recognise the importance of aftercare following any procedure, we have in place a comprehensive aftercare package at various locations throughout, England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales, you will have access to dieticians, nurses, and group discussions as well as band fills.

Of course as part of your surgery package you have access to the dieticians and nurses at the Hospital in Belgium at any time you require assistance or have a question, this can be done yourself by phone or e-mail, alternatively contact us and we can ask any questions you have on your behalf. As part of your surgery package a member of PR Surgery is available for you to contact 24/7 after your surgery, just because you have had surgery and returned to the UK does not mean you are on your own!!

Please contact us to discuss your aftercare requirements and to obtain detailed information.

Hotel

The hospital prefer that you stay at the Acacia hotel, this is a four start hotel based in the center of Brugge and is just a short two minute walk to the main square in Brugge, all amenities are close to hand, this is especially good for any partners or friends you may have accompany you during your stay.

The nursing staff visit the hotel regularly, the hotel staff at the same time are used to having bariatric patients within the hotel and have contact details should you have any need to contact hospital staff after surgery whilst you are still in Belgium.

The hotel offers a suitable liquid diet for patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, this has to be requested for lunch and evening meals and has an additional charge to that you pay for bed and breakfast.

All rooms are en-suit, the bathroom has basic toiletries within them, these are replenished as used. Towels are changed daily or as required. There is a hair dryer in all bathrooms.The rooms are cleaned daily. There are tea & coffee facilities in all rooms. All rooms also have TV with various channels, there is a free wifi connection for wireless laptops in all rooms as well as a telephone, please note that outside calls are chargable. The staff at the hotel are extremely friendly and are more than happy to assist with any enquiries you may have.

The hotel has a restaurant and also a bar where you can sit and relax during your stayas well as a swimming pool & sauna.

Of course if you prefer you can make arrangements to stay at a hotel of your choice, however we strongly reccomend that you stay at The Acacia hotel.

Getting to Belgium –

As Belgium is so close to the UK, it makes getting there very easy, you can either fly, flights take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, you can go by train (Eurostar) approximate journey time from London is 2 hours or drive, from the south of England this can take approximately 4 hours.
If you plan to travel by Euro star tickets and times can be purchased & checked at www.eurostar.com
If you plan to travel by car you should contact Le Shuttle on 08705 353535.