The Canterbury Charity Hospital Trust was established in 2007 to provide free medical, surgical, and dental services to the people of Canterbury and the West Coast who cannot access these services elsewhere. Operating almost entirely on the goodwill of volunteers and donations, the hospital does not receive any government funding. It serves the community by addressing unmet healthcare needs, ensuring that everyone has access to necessary medical care regardless of their financial situation

The Canterbury Charity Hospital specializes in a variety of elective day surgeries and outpatient services, including general surgery (such as hernias and haemorrhoids), gynaecology, oral surgery, orthopaedics (hands, feet, elbows), urology (vasectomy, Peyronie’s disease, hydrocele), and eye surgery (cataract surgery). The hospital also provides dermatology, dietetic advice, and women’s health services.

The hospital is committed to providing high-quality care that meets or exceeds the standards of the public health system. This commitment is upheld through the dedication of skilled volunteer professionals and continuous evaluation and adaptation of services to meet the changing needs of the community​.

The vision of the Canterbury Charity Hospital is to provide essential healthcare services to those who cannot access them through the public or private systems. Its mission is to address unmet healthcare needs with the support of the community, volunteers, and charitable donations, ensuring that all services are provided free of charge and with the highest standards of care​.

The hospital is widely recognized for its contributions to the community and its model of operating through volunteer efforts and donations. It has become a vital part of the Canterbury healthcare landscape, providing essential services to those in need and being supported by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals and volunteers.