Comparison of tic-bite treatment in El Salvador (for myself, a month ago) and UK (my daughter,
@Ninimonk05, today):
UK
- Rang 111 and described symptoms, told specialist would ring back
- Rang 111 again the next day as no call back received, referred to hospital (not nearest one)
- 111 specialist rang back but said advice no longer needed as we had now already been referred
- Drove 45-minutes to the hospital
- Gave details to reception of symptoms and our details
- Then gave same symptom details to nurse in reception area
- Moved to paediatrics, and gave same details to nurse there
- An hour or so later spoke to doctor
- He went to go and get a second opinion and we were given prescription
- Went to pharmacy in the hospital who took our details and printed off a label
- Collected drugs from desk next door (with a wait time of over 2 hours)
Summary: 10 healthcare professionals (excluding the nice volunteer chap who brought us hot chocolates), 4.5 hours, 1.5 hours travel
El Salvador (“3rd world country”)
- Sent doctor WhatsApp message of the bite to ask to ask if need to see him (he asked to go straight in)
- At the local clinic 10-minute drive away, spoke to nurse who took details and took blood pressure, weight etc. and set me up on the system
- Went straight through to the doctor for an unrushed appointment
- Walked next door to collect prescription with the doctor
Summary: 3-4 healthcare professionals, under 1 hour, 0.5-hours travel
Not complaining, I am grateful for care received in both locations, but one seems a lot less efficient than the other and unsustainable.
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