New direct flights

A major event to promote a new direct travel link from Scotland to Norway and to highlight the first opportunities of ‘medical tourism’ between the two areas is to take place in Edinburgh.

A major event to promote a new direct travel link from Scotland to Norway and to highlight the first opportunities of ‘medical tourism’ between the two areas is to take place in Edinburgh.

Visit Haugesund & Haugalandet, together with Scanhealth Scandinavia, are to give a joint presentation to showcase the attractions of the region – both for tourists, conferences and events seeking an exciting new destination and for people who are looking for quick and affordable private medical treatment.

The opening of the link comes as a new direct, low-cost, 90-minute Ryanair flight from Edinburgh to Haugesund launches on July 4.

The region of Haugesund, on the south west coast of Norway, is known as ‘Homeland of the Viking Kings’ and is credited as being the birthplace of Norway and the gateway to the country’s stunning fjords.

Tore Gautesen, Managing Director of Visit Haugesund, said: “Just a 90-minute flight from Edinburgh, there is the chance to discover one of the most beautiful coastal areas of Norway. We offer exciting events and activities for conferences and seminars, not to mention the vibrant culture of the town of Haugesund and the majestic fjords.”

Scanhealth Scandinavia is a partnership of three health care providers in Haugesund, situated just 15 minutes from Haugesund Airport, which offers private treatment from experienced surgeons using the most up to date equipment for general medical procedures, radiology and fertility treatments.

It has already treated many hundred private patients from London (through a direct flight from Stansted Airport) and believes it can offer people in Edinburgh and surrounding areas quality, low-cost treatment.  There are no waiting times, treatments are up to 50% cheaper than UK, charges are fixed and all agreed in advance, English is fluently spoken – and equally importantly, Norway has the lowest MRSA infection rate in Europe.

Representatives from Scanhealth Scandinavia – PhD Mr Kjell Gunnar Gundersen, an eye surgeon who performs more than 1500 operations a year, acclaimed gynecologist and reproductive endocrinologist Dr Jon Wegner Hausken, and head of radiology department, with over 22 years of experience, Dr. Leif Aalvik – will attend the event.

Eye surgeon PhD Mr Kjell Gunnar Gundersen said: “This new direct link from Edinburgh means that medical tourists from Scotland for the first time have access to high quality private health care at surprisingly low cost.  People could arrive here from Scotland, be treated that day then return home on the next flight.”