Treatment of Farangs at Hua Hin Hospital

[HHTel]

I'm getting more and more frustrated with some of these reports. They seem to go from 'super efficient' to 'bloody awful' with nothing in the middle.

Have I and BB, Mrs. BB and others just been extremely lucky over the years? I think that's stretching the reality a bit. I've used them for a number of reasons from 'emergency' to routine medical exams to full admissions and never had a complaint.

I for one along with my family will continue to use HHH. I'll be the first to post if the care deteriorates.

[Big Boy]

I'm just walking away from the thread. I won't doubt any of the poster's experiences as I can't see any reason for them to lie. We can only relay our personal experiences.

[dtaai-maai]

I don't understand the controversy or the sniffy reactions to Joelle's post. Is it really so unlikely that a hospital - or any other business - can satisfy some of its customers but still fall short occasionally? As for you, BB, if posters are going to be criticised for complaining about service received, you'll be out of business!

[HHTel]

I'm just walking away from the thread. I won't doubt any of the poster's experiences as I can't see any reason for them to lie. We can only relay our personal experiences.

Agreed.

[hhinner]

To be clear, HHH is my preferred option.

The emergency room is great. Been there, done that and so has my wife.

I've previously been a regular outpatient (room 8, for those for whom it might mean something). Soon worked out that 8am appointments didn't mean much as it was the same time for everyone and there were doctors who didn't show up until 9.30. Going at 10am usually meant less waiting.

Going to the fast track department also hasn't always resulted in faster service when doctors were really busy.

HHH is a government hospital and as such is usually overcrowded, and probably underfunded. It has some great doctors and nurses and some who are frankly appalling, especially those older doctors who have army ranks and don't expect patients to ask questions and are intolerant of those who do. But there are nice younger ones who get very chatty and like to practice their English.

Apart from pricing, as far as I can tell, based on my own and my wife's experience, farangs and Thais get the same levels of treatment and courtesy, some good and some bad.

I haven't been there for treatment for a while now, but they used to have signs saying if you're over 70 and been waiting more than 15 minutes to tell the nurse. I'm over 70 now so I wonder how that will go in future visits.

[JohnD]

I have been visiting the Special or Premium Clinic at HHH for several months.
I have a routine monthly blood test and then meet my doctor to discuss the results.
BTW, the doctor is good – speaks sufficient English and definitely knows his subject. In particular, he keeps detailed case records and copies me.
No complaints, all worked well – for what is a chronic condition, but how about the acute or emergency condition?

Several weeks ago, I noticed that one leg was swollen.
I visited HHH on the Monday at 4pm, as usual. It was public holiday, and Clinic closed (ok my mistake).
Having read that Saturday was a busy day (more doctors?), I went in the following Saturday.
The receptionist told me that “my doctor” was not there and I could not be seen by an alternative doctor (as he would not know my case history). I asked about other options, like visiting one of the other clinics. The answer was I could, but I would have a long wait. Ok, Monday was not far off.
On Monday, I saw “my doctor”. My leg was somewhat ‘red’ and somewhat ‘hot’.
Looked like an infection, I was put on one week of antibiotics.

After one week, I returned on the Monday afternoon at 4pm. Leg was still swollen, much the same; the decision was to go for an ultrasound of the leg.
I went with the paperwork to the X-ray department; the nearest appointment was about 6 weeks away. I said I cannot accept that; another appointment was offered at 10 days away.
BTW, on cost – the form said 1,000 Baht at the top – I paid about 3,500 Baht. I queried why the extra cost – the receptionist at the Clinic quickly rattled off a breakdown – still unclear, decided to just smile and walk away. For a 15 minute U/S and a brief report, does not seem that cheap for a government hospital.
The U/S revealed a blood clot (100% blocked) in one vein. I think this was on a Thursday, OK I would see my doctor on the following Monday. The following Monday, I was put on blood thinners.

According to Google, a blood clot must be seen by a doctor within 24/48 hours. There was no apparent urgency at HHH, by my doctor, or U/S staff, or the Clinic receptionist (who was aware of my red, hot leg).

From scanning this Forum, there is an Emergency Clinic at HHH – where is it?

The blood thinner medication (Apixaban/Eliquis) was unavailable in the HHH Pharmacy. I went San Paulo. I had to register, see a doctor and I obtained the medication within a short space of time. The staff at San Paulo were quite pro-active, seeming trying to get me through without delay – with a native English speaker available.
I have now been back to San Paulo for my last monthly blood test. Admittedly, more expensive, but I feel I am in more capable hands – especially in the event of an emergency - and hopefully timely intervention.
Still undecided whether to go to HHH, or go San Paulo…

[Big Boy]

From scanning this Forum, there is an Emergency Clinic at HHH – where is it?

This is basically an out of hours clinic. I've visited in 2 locations i.e.:

- In the main building, next to the toilets.

- In A&E.

[PJG]

JohnD

For future reference, Apixiban is stocked by the Parmacy in Soi 88, 3800 for 60 tablets considerably cheaper than the hospitals. Also stocked by the big Parmacy in the Night Market, from memory 4100 for 60 tabs .

[JohnD]

PJG,

Thanks for that cheaper option in Soi 88, plus there will be a saving on the doctor/nurse fee of 1,000 Baht charged at SP.