When I first moved here, I was a hospital snob after reading comments on this forum - I avoided Hua Hin Hospital (HHH) like the plague. After several medical experiences, including inpatient treatment at a couple of hospitals, I decided the only hospital I found acceptable was Petcharat, but that was too far away for emergencies.
Mrs BB started using HHH, and although very busy, I soon realised they actually knew what they were doing. I too have now been receiving regular outpatient treatment at HHH for over 4 years (Express Clinic), and they have done everything I have expected, and probably a little more.
I have been very satisfied with the outpatient service, but have always wondered what would happen when the inevitable day came when we would need inpatient treatment. I was about to find out.
Mrs BB was having significant breathing difficulties, so I rushed her straight to HHH emergency. I was told at 11pm that Mrs BB had to stay overnight, and was advised to go home, and come to see her in the morning. She phoned me at 1:30 to tell me where her bed was.
Next morning, I went to see her on a ward. It was very busy, probably overcrowded, but it was functional. Doctors and nurses were constantly on the go, but probably overworked. Mrs BB was the last person to be seen on doctors rounds, and she gave us the news we didn't want to hear. She could go home, but we'd probably be bringing her back later the same day - the doctor would prefer she stayed one more night. Mrs BB looked at me and asked what we should do. I simply said what does the doctor want - we stayed.
It was at that point I told her to enquire about a private room. The process was strange, but we followed it:
- Go down to the office to ask about prices. Basically rooms cost 1800 Baht, 2000 Baht and 2800 Baht. However, 1800 Baht rooms are usually full, so you have to wait for one to be vacated. We went for 2000 Baht to ensure availability.
- Go back to the ward, tell them what you wanted, and they would allocate you a room.
- There was one proviso, occupants of the private rooms had to have a constant carer (e.g. family member) in attendance 24/7.
That wasn't a problem for us, we have plenty of family available, and could cover it easily. I did enquire what happens if there isn't family readily available. An external carer would have to be arranged. I asked if hospital staff would do a little overtime to cover such cases, but they told us it wasn't permitted. Does anybody know what happens in such circumstances?
The room is, of course, not as important as the care given. I don't know if we just hit it lucky with the staff we had for a few days, but the care given was second to none I've received both here and in the UK, and I've experienced inpatient care at Bangkok Hospital (3 times), Petcharat Hospital, 2 private UK hospitals and a few NHS facilities. There was a constant stream of doctors and nurses carrying out various tests on my wife. Her care included 8 x-rays, where she was always taken to the front of the queue. Various machines were brought to the room, and numerous blood tests were taken. Routine observations every 2 hours without fail throughout the stay. Cleaners came 3 times during my day shifts, bedding changed regularly and PJs changed twice daily. They couldn't have been more attentive.
Even food was a class above. On the wards, food is served on a segregated aluminium tray. In the room, food was presented beautifully on proper crockery. Always several choices, and always enough for the carer as well (I doubt that was the hospital's plan
). I can be a bit squeamish with some Thai dishes, but there was always something I could eat.The total cost was hideously low - about 2/3rds of just the cost of just a bed for one night at some hospitals. However, this cost is relative because a lot of the treatments are free or subsidised to Mrs BB being Thai.
We are very lucky to have such a facility in Hua Hin available to everybody. My final fear of HHH has been eliminated.
Thank you HHH for a 1st class job.
