Hospital issues
Sometimes I read articles online, and I honestly just don't know how to explain what I'm feeling. For instance, take this article. I'm very proud that one of our (relatively) nearby communities was able to send Soldiers to Pakistan to help after the earthquake. But at whose expense? Read the article and decide for yourself.
I've heard time and time again that the Wurzburg hospital is closing anyway, and many of the services they provided would be transitioned out to the economy. But as far as I know, the date of closure hasn't been announced yet.
posted by The Girl @ 11:04 AM
6 comments
6 Comments:
I couldn't open the article, but that area is closing. There have been workforce briefings for the GS employees in some of the locations last week. Obviously you can't just close an area in a month but the process will continue to evolve over the next year or so.
HH6
I guess because I have been using the German system for the past 9 years, I don't really see this as a bad thing. I mean, the medical services are still there, albeit with German providers. If they make it easy for you to find and get to a German physician, I really think it's okay to "outsource" the health-care. I have never experienced TRICARE, but hear a lot of grumbling about it.
And I have ZERO complaints about the German healthcare system. You can choose your own doctor, no matter who your insurance provider is, provided the doctor can still take on patients. And I have never had to wait long for an appointment, and have always received excellent service.
I mean, I can remember the last time I needed a prescription quickly for an infection I had, I was on the to Garmisch with my bf, and we just pulled off the highway into the next town, stopped at a pharmacy to ask where the nearest doctor's office was, went in there, and because they understood that we were traveling they let us go ahead of everyone else, and a few minutes later I walked out with my prescription.
If they make the outsourcing simple for the patients, and provide you with a list of physicians who can speak English, I really don't think this is a bad thing.
The German health care system is great...this isn't Britain...lol.
But this part of the article made me smile:
Routine care for pregnant women and newborns, including the delivery of babies, would not be curtailed, in part because of an upcoming baby boom within the Würzburg-based 1st Infantry Division, which returned in February and March from a one-year tour in Iraq.
“We have 250 women who are going to be delivering between November and February,” Homas said. “We have augmented our capabilities in that realm.”
Yeah, but Cali...You speak German. I would have to have a limb hanging by a thread to just walk into some doctor's office where I've never been. That's the scariest thing I can imagine! Everyone keeps telling me I'm crazy for not wanting to have a baby here, but I simply cannot have a baby where I can't understand the doctors and nurses.
Sarah,
My hubby and I have put off having a baby for the very same reason. I could get by with my German but if I am out of it, and my spouse was left to talk to them we'd be in serious trouble.
With both of us with family histories of difficult pregnancies there was no way I could risk having a misunderstanding or trouble without being able to have both parents speak the language well.
HH6
Like you said it isn't announced yet when the Wuerzburg hospital is closing yet. The rumors are that they will close it within the next 2 years ( 2008 ).
Iam volunteering there and I know that also the people who work there are very concerened and wondering about everything.
I have experiences with German doctors ( of course because Iam German ) but also with Tricare. Tricare doesn't make a big deal out of it if you want to go to see a german physician. My experiences are that german physician treat you very very good and they all speak english if you get a referral (<--? ) from Tricare. My experiences with military doc. are mixed. I had a very nice and friendly physician ( yeah they are all nice most of the time ) but it seems like that they have less time and you ( I ) feel rushed all the time. If I have a cold, Iam ok to go to the military doc. If my hubby and I are planning on having a baby I already told him that Iam not sure if I prefer going to a german physican. ( Of course that is me being a german )
Oh well....
Post a Comment
<< Home