Hamilton's Braemar Hospital is opening its doors today for free surgeries

It's been selecting patients who can't afford care, don't have health insurance, and have been declined treatment by the public system.

Braemar Trust Manager Paula Baker says they've opened four theatres and one endoscopy suite for the free surgeries.

He says they expect to treat about 25 patients.

Baker says the pressure on the public system is so immense, they're just doing what they can to help.