I have discovered 'time travel'
 

O.k. not really,but my first contact with the Hungarian Health care definitely felt that way.
Let me make it clear this is my personal experience where I live, other posters have nothing but praise and good things to say about the service, but be warned not to allow a couple of good reviews colour your opinion of the service as a whole.
First visit the local doctor, last time was to register, that was 6 years ago.
First problem not actually registered, for a country that loves making paperwork they are inordinately inept at filing it, but re-registered without a problem. so one minus point and one plus.
Next problem - identify the doctor! walk in the door to stand in front of a large square desk, old guy sitting on the left side, with one woman sitting at the right hand end and a second woman sitting facing me, it's the old guy the others are nurse and receptionist/paper pusher.
Doctor/patient confidentiality is one thing but do you really want to discuss intimate details in front of the secretary, apparently you do if you are Hungarian. Reminded me of Janet in Doctor Finleys casebook, for any of you not old enough to know who I mean she was the housekeeper who seemed to know more about the patients and their problems than the doctors.
This was the time I discovered I have a 'No risk' doctor, no matter how simple the problem he simply refers you to a specialist, and of course a blood and urine test, you always have to have these, broken finger - blood and pee, going bald - blood and pee etc etc
Now we come to the time travel!
I have to go to the local hospital for the tests, (the nurse sitting next to the doctor does not do such things) Enter a long mustard coloured corridor (it might have been white at some time long long ago) lit by 20 watt bulbs but only every 5th one is working, in front of me in this dim gloom is a vast shuffling queue all waiting to put their paperwork through a tiny little hatch. This done the queue continues it shuffle like a 1940s ration queue towards the Phlebotomist, tho' according to the dictionary definition this refers to someone trained to draw blood and considering I was number 82 in this shuffle I though she should know her job by the time it was my turn, Huh! she drew the blood and left me with a dark ugly bruise 6 inches in diameter.
Collect results 6 hours later and go to specialist, 5 minutes chat he prescribes 5 day course of antibiotics and come back in a week. I have taken antibiotics and penicillin before without any side effects, this time by day 5 I was totally incapacitated felling seriously unwell, called the doctor, he came, shook hands and called the ambulance and passed the problem (me) to the hospital.
The local hospital doesn't have an A & E department so it was off to the main hospital in the next town which I didn't mind after my first experience at the local, but it is 30 minutes away, ten minutes into the drive and there is a call for them to pick up a second patient, and would it be o.k. if I sat in a seat since the new patient needs the bed I'm led on!
First port of call at the hospital is the Triage room, now as soon as you see that sign you just know you should not have given up the bed in the ambulance! now I am behind almost anyone who arrives in an ambulance tho' thankfully still in front of any walk-ins.
2 hour wait (not too bad) to see the doctor, young lady who spoke English, so a few test and a bit of prodding then the immortal words, Blood and pee! The young nurse took the blood from my wrist and didn't leave a mark (bonus point to her) now wait 2 hours for the result, but at least they put me on a bed in a room while I waited.
2 hours.
2 and a half hours.
3 hours.
3 and a half hours, asked the orderly if she could check, shoulder shrug.
4 hours, O.k. stuff the results I am going home, results found on the doctors desk, she went home two hours ago and didn't mention me to anyone! But results are good so.
Taxi all the way home, I still feel like crap but at least I can feel ill in my own bed and hopefully back to normal with a couple of days rest, and the only person who will get me back into hospital again in this country will be the grim reaper waving his scythe at me!

Re: I have discovered 'time travel'
 

That'll teach you not to go back to the UK for health care! :lol:

Or, conversely, be warned not to allow a bad review......

Our own experiences have been very positive & most satisfactory, I guess experiences will always differ.

Re: I have discovered 'time travel'
 

You can always change your GP.

My GP does everything he can 'on site' from ECGs down.

I went for a specialist blood test to Zala hospital, I had an appointment, I got there 10 min early to see a crowd in the corridor and my heart sank, but at the appointed time we were ushered in, job done, and out in about 5 min. The results came by post the next day! (I had to leave a SAE - cheapskates) On the other hand I was able to claim for travel (car expense 3,200huf)

Oh and don't forget the regular screenings that are available here
TB, breast cancer, cervical cancer, bowel cancer, bone density scan and of course the routine blood pressure and blood test (cholesterol, sugar etc) all on offer. - did I miss any?

And you can get a subsidized set of treatments at a health spa (I can't remember if it is once or twice a year) to help with the ravages of time.

But sometimes the service can be lacking, usually, I have found with the 'old school' practitioners

Re: I have discovered 'time travel'
 

Peter, my Doctor told me a while ago that they were moving to an annual PSA test for those over 40.

Re: I have discovered 'time travel'
 

Re: I have discovered 'time travel'
 

Hi Peter, searching this thread for an English speaking Doctor in Zala county (or happy to travel further ). You mention your Doctor be more of an all rounder GP. Could you share details of your Doctor with me. thank you

Re: I have discovered 'time travel'
 

Whilst my GP offers a good service with no appointment needed there is no English spoken at all, neither by the Dr. nor any of the surgery staff.

Re: I have discovered 'time travel'
 

Thank you for replying so quickly.isn't it funny how all of the vets have to speak English but the doctors don't seem to want to bother.

Re: I have discovered 'time travel'
 

The doctor nearby to me speaks reasonable English, I had to go and see him for my medical to change my UK driving licence to a Hungarian licence …. he is based in Zalabaksa, Zala county ….

Re: I have discovered 'time travel'
 

Thank you.. about an hour from us which seems reasonable

Re: I have discovered 'time travel'
 

You are welcome ! I believe he is there on a Thursday morning but he travels to cover all of the surrounding villages so a 'phone call in advance may be a wise move !

Re: I have discovered 'time travel'
 

An hour away?
I hope you never want a home visit!