About the Trust

The Aotearoa Charity Hospital Trust (ARCH) was established to provide free elective surgery and medical outpatient clinics to those who are in immediate need, have been declined treatment in the public system due to rationalisation, and are without the financial support necessary for private treatment.

The trust is solely philanthropic and not affiliated with any political or religious group.


The trustee is the Aotearoa Charity Hospital Trust Limited, a corporate trustee. The directors of this corporate trustee are Maurice O’Brien (engineer), Denise Bailey (communications professional), Luigi Sussman (general surgeon) and Fiona Sussman (author and retired general practitioner).

From left to right: Maurice O’Brien, Fiona Sussman, Denise Bailey and Luigi Sussman.

Medical Advisory Board

The directors are supported by a Medical Advisory Committee who assist with clinical decision making.

Dr James Lai - MBChB, FRCA, FANZCA, Consultant Anaesthetist Auckland City Hospital

Dr James Lai – MBChB, FRCA, FANZCA, Consultant Anaesthetist Auckland City Hospital.

Dr Jonathan Koea - MBChB, FRACS, Hepatobiliary & General Surgeon

Dr Jonathan Koea – MBChB, FRACS, Hepatobiliary & General Surgeon.

Dr Luigi Sussman - MBBCH,FRACS, Colorectal & General Surgeon

Dr Luigi Sussman – MBBCH,FRACS, Colorectal & General Surgeon.

Dr Fiona Sussman - BA, MBChB, MCW, Author and Retired General Practitioner

Dr Fiona Sussman – BA, MBChB, MCW, Author and Retired General Practitioner.