This is a terrific innovation, aimed at reducing pressure on our hospital emergency departments, and our emergency ambulances.
Unfortunately some people try to abuse our ambulance and hospital emergency departments by wanting emergency transport to a hospital emergency department for quite trivial matters. Yes, they are triaged over the phone, but some know phrases that will trigger an emergency response.
They clog up emergency departments. If emergency departments are overwhelmed, ambulance staff must look after patients until they can be admitted to emergency. This leads to an ambulance shortage. Clearly those who have say a heart attack or stroke, are straight in with the best care modern medicine can provide.
That was my experience when I had heart issues, and twice I was taken by ambulance to The Alfred Hospital emergency with atrial fibrillation, that is my heart was racing at over 200 bpm and would not stop. Doctors stopped my heart on both occasions and restarted it. After the second time, a chemist picked up a conflict with one medication I was taking, and my heart medication. Minor surgery called ablation and refinement of my drugs, and I've been fine for about four years. I am checked annually by my cardiologist. While he works in the public system, as his private patient, I think the cost is worth while. He is now an Associate Professor, and still quite young.
I've drifted off topic.
So we have a new addition to our medical system called Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, where many health issues can quickly be treated. I think this is a terrific initiative. Let's face it. Nurses can do much of what doctors can do and the clinics do have doctors too.
I planned to write this post a little time ago, but there is an urgency now. Kosov was bitten by a dog as he crossed a road today, as I write this Thursday evening. Kosov punched the dog's head, and it retreated. The owner said, 'Sorry'. While Pitt Bull Terriers are banned here, it was a similar dog. I hate the owners of such dogs more than I dislike the dogs.
Phyllis and I have nagged him that he needs a tetanus shot after the dog bite. He has never had a tetanus shot before, so this is a good opportunity. The dog bite did pierce his skin.
So Friday morning we will be at the aforesaid clinic at 9am, one hour after it opens. I'll let Kosov explain to the clinic but if there is any kind of issue, I will be there for him. I will do the talking. There are no restrictions of who can visit the clinic. If you are in need, you are eligible. It is the same for our public hospitals. No questions are asked for emergency care. Ongoing care might be a problem for those without an Australian Medicare card, but really if you are in need, our system will care for you as if you are local citizen.
I experienced a walk in clinic in England and while the wait was quite long, I received the best of care. Ray's family receive very good health care in England too. But apparently according to blogger Rachel, I am quite unqualified to comment on the English medical care system, so take no notice of me. (Yeah, I was hurt, and I don't understand why)
This won't be published until after the clinic visit.
The next day, Friday.
Well, as usual I knew exactly knew where I was going to the clinic, but no. It had already moved, into within the Alfred Hospital. Staff directed us to Emergency. I said to staff, it is not an emergency, but that was where we had to go. A brief explanation to more staff, and we were told to take a seat. A chap soon arrived with the logo Heliport Ground Staff on the back of his jacket. I suppose if there isn't an incoming chopper, he can do escort duties.
We were taken through a labyrinth of old hospital corridors to the clinic, which was actually at the front of the hospital, looking out to the ambulance parking. There were five people there waiting. Kosov was given a consent form to sign and a medical questionnaire was sent to his phone to fill in. Once Kosov had filled everything in on his phone and signed the form, we returned to the desk to hand in the paperwork. By this time it was after 10am. I said to staff that Kosov had a job interview at 12 and it would take him an hour to get there, a slight exaggeration, and so staff checked with the doctor for urgency of care, but of course he wasn't urgent. I'm glad I asked.
Staff said come back later in the day. You will still be in the system. I returned home as I was meeting neighbour HH for brunch at 11, and they set off to catch the Punt Road bus to change to a bus to Doncaster.
As I am attempting to complete this post at 7pm, they are at the clinic, and have been sent to pharmacy to buy the serum.
I really expected there would be a doctor and nurse on duty. The nurse would have quickly given Kosov the jab and all over in half an hour, but no. Like the normal emergency department, you just wait.
At least they have learnt of a back entrance to the clinic where you don't have to be escorted.
Now, I really wish I had sent him to my medical practice and I would have paid, although he does have some kind of overseas student appropriate health insurance, but I don't know what that covers.
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Another great idea that needs some tweaking. If more doctors bulkbilled our EDs wouldn't be overwhelmed with the worried well and those who can't afford the co-payments.
ReplyDeleteAs for "that breed' of dog and the owners I am 100% with you.
Merlot, more bulkbilling is happening but the sums don't add to me so far as return to doctors, but it is encouraging. I never asked for it but I am now bulk billed by my doctor, so I no longer pay around $45 out of pocket.
DeleteI have to tell you that I can always, always tell when a dog is a problem dog. You can usually see that the owner is an asshole.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the 'unqualified to comment' remark. I find it very rich from someone who feels qualified to expound on the US political situation.
Ahem. Agree.
DeleteThanks Debby. As I no longer read her blog, I didn't know.
DeleteThank you Lynn.
DeleteAgreed here, too.
DeleteAndrew overseas students have medical health cover, it is compulsory together with their visas You are right your doctor would have been the appropriate person. Also both the lads should have hep and tetanus vacs. Most universities have medical services on site as well so they should make themselves familiar with the help they provide . International students are well catered for as they are the unis bread and butter. Just make sure that they access them. My gdaughter just began at Melbourne Uni and Stop 1 on the uni grounds provides excellent info for all students. I am sure other unis would also . A tetanus shot would not be considered an emergency but he must get one
ReplyDeleteThat's very helpful. I questioned them today and they do have a medical clinic at RMIT. Yes, very helpful for the future.
Deletef a patient over the age of 65 reports chest pain, they are automatically classified as a Category 1 patient, requiring medical assessment within 15 minutes of registration at the triage desk. However, if a frequent attendee presents with recurrent chest pain complaints, there may be deliberate delays in registration at the front desk to circumvent this protocol. Additionally, emergency department staff may discreetly use the patient's surname as a coded reference to indicate a pattern of hypochondriacal behavior.
ReplyDeleteRoentare, that is what my mother used to do to get into hospitals. She may have done it twice, so perhaps not labelled Your information is both interesting and helpful.
DeleteSo the "urgent care" is just a fancy name for another wait-your-turn-unless-you-are-in-danger-of-dying room, which will soon enough be clogged with people needing an antiseptic wipe and a bandaid, just like the regular emergency rooms.
ReplyDeleteNot quite as bad as that River, but slower than I thought. They did not have to wait too long with the second visit.
DeleteTo get an Australian visa you have to have had particular health checks and there is an immunisation program for children in India just like we have. Kosov would probably have had them but young people don’t remember those things . A booster is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteWe have a good health system, for it to function properly we should not clog the public system up with drunks and druggies and minor issues that could be attended to by a gp
Very good information. Thanks.
DeleteYes, so many just need to sleep things off.
I feel it defeats the purpose if the urgent care clinics are situated inside a hospital. And what does "urgent" mean? In practical terms it must mean "more urgent than the time within which you can get in to see a GP." The time frame within which you are supposed to get a tetanus jab probably qualifies as that for many.
ReplyDeleteI did inwardly chuckle at your attempt to get P attended to sooner. It was never going to work.
Update anticipated.
MC, it was not urgent care, and I think we underwent an unnecessary attendance at 'Urgent Care'. I was a learnin' and just wanted the best and easiest for Kosov. With more knowledge now, he should have attended the RMIT clinic.
DeleteHere's hoping Kosovo gets through it all right and remains in reasonably good health. Long waiting time notwithstanding, it sounds like he will.
ReplyDeleteKirk, he'll be fine. He is doing a bit of the drama queen thing at the moment.
DeleteI was amused that he had to go and get the serum from the chemist, surprises me why they don't keep that on hand.
ReplyDeleteWe have urgent care clinics and there is one attached to the practice we go to.
Margaret, I too was surprised that the serum wasn't on hand and that he had to pay for it at the chemist plus the antibiotics.
DeleteI loved the British National Health system, both as a worker and as an in-patient. But I understand that the waiting times are longer now, until they find a way to make Casualty Depts bigger and faster.
ReplyDeleteRe pit bulls, was your friend given rabies injections? Those beastly dogs are illegal because they are so dangerous to humans.
Hels, yes the NHS is struggling and it covers so many things that aren't really covered here.
DeleteNo rabies in Australia, so a rabies vax was not necessary.
Are your pharmacies allowed to see patients with minor ailments that just require advice or simple treatments?
ReplyDeletePerhaps a tetanus jab would qualify?
Yes JayCee, and possibly for the vax. It is an underutilised service that few know about. It will depend on the pharmacy having someone qualified to give such treatment and a space to do it. I just don't know.
DeleteWhat a long blog, I wish I could write as much. You are very good with Phyllis worrying about them both. Definitely injection but as for dangerous dogs - the supposed pit bull, I have read stories of how good these dogs are but unfortunately there are bad dogs also. Medical care is in the throes of change, soon we will all be taking consultation advice over the computer. I suppose zoom will come in handy ;)
ReplyDeleteThelma, the basic nature of the dog is not good, which can perhaps overcome by loving home environment, but that kind of place does not usually match the people who buy such dogs. I think I should write less but with more quality.
DeleteThat seems very complicated to me ! When I need a cardiologist, I ask around me, then I choose (or on internet) I call for a appointment, I take it when I have the appointment I go, get my check up, pay and go home. It depends on the doctor's prices, but in any case I am reimbursed by my health insurance to 80 %. In hospitals it's the same, only in the emergency, there you have to wait unless you arrive with an ambulance half dead. The UK is famous for very bad medical service and if it's good it's very expensive. So many people go for surgery to Belgium or France.
ReplyDeleteIngrid, our system sounds complicated, and so does yours. I've seen, experienced and know a bit about the English NHS. Don't forget it is free treatment for the patient. It isn't perfect, but does do the best it can, and led to a good outcome for me.
DeleteFor a tetanus shot, I can go to my local pharmacy. For facines, no appointment, in and out in 10-15 minutes.
ReplyDeleteI expect we can do that too TP, in theory. It will have to one with a private room and I don't know if all pharmacists are qualified to give injections. I would prefer one with a good bit of experience in giving injections.
DeleteWhoops! I think I may have pressed 'publish' too quickly. Anyway, I hope Kosov is alright today and not too sore. The NHS is great in dire emergencies, or can be, but routine things have to wait interminably. Too much administration obscuring clinical practice. That's why we have 'mix and match' in our family.
ReplyDeleteJB, I think whether government of private, many of our large companies and institutions are very top heavy with management and administration.
DeletePoor guy. I'm glad it got sorted out. And I learned something new, I didn't know you needed a tetanus shot if you're bitten by a dog. Always learning:)
ReplyDeletePlus antibiotics, Pixie. I can imagine there is quite a lot lurking in a dog's mouth...ours for that matter.
DeleteNewfoundland started Collaborative Care Clinics about a year ago and they have been enormously successful as all the health care experts are under the one roof. Doctors, NPs, pharmacists, physio and mental health, etc. even pain workshops.
ReplyDeleteThey are stand alone buildings. Taking the load off emergency and hospitals.
Kosov is very fortunate in your care and concern.
XO
WWW
WWW, that sounds brilliant. I think our model may evolve to be similar. The area and the hospital itself is rather cramped, so in areas away from the city where there is more space, the clinics might be a lot better.
DeleteWhat an adventure! Andrew, good on you for taking care of your young associate. Thanks for the interesting information. You can reflect on one positive thing, you are not in America right now,
ReplyDeleteCloudia, some overseas students here are not always treated very well. I see it as doing my bit.
DeleteWell, it's great that health care is available to Kosov, but it DOES seem like that's an awfully long process just for a tetanus shot. I'm wrestling with whether he should report the dog or owner. Was the dog running loose? It should have been on a lead at least.
ReplyDeleteI know you know this already, but I'll say it anyway -- you are "qualified" to comment on whatever you like on your blog, Andrew. You don't need anyone's permission.
Steve, the timing of our visit was perhaps bad. I don't think they waited very long in the evening, with the delay caused by having to get the serum and antibiotics. And as we were told, who gets in first is a clinical decision.
DeleteAn efficient and effective emergency care is so important. I can relate to that dog incident. Here too such things happen. Once a man was walking with his dog, and the dog suddenly sort of lunged at me without any provocation at all. And the owner didn't even didn't apologise for the dog's behaviour! I was also once bitten by street dog.
ReplyDeletePradeep, you would have to be concerned about rabies too, I would imagine.
DeleteHere the police would get involved, if a dog bite sent someone to the doctor and the dog owner would have to provide proof of rabies vaccination
ReplyDeleteStrayer, how do you stop the person leaving the scene though? And that is what happened. The person muttered sorry and kept walking. We don't have rabies here, so the real threat is tetanus.
DeleteI'm endlessly grateful that we live in Ohio. While quite a few US folks lack the multiple medical insurance plans available to us, my husband is also excellent at researching them. No doubt I've stated this before. ~shakes head~ Anyway, urgent care facilities are abundant, as well; I've twice seen the (thus far) never changing receptionists and Registered Nurse at one particular facility. Not only is the wait much shorter than at any ER around, that male RN and his female coworkers all have great senses of humor, too, which boosts what could otherwise be an unpleasant experience. I'll stop rambling now. lol Best wishes, Andrew, to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteDarla, that's very interesting You are clearly in a good area, and it would be nice if such care was available to everyone.
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