Friday, July 29, 2005
Stitches Out
Compared to the UK health system things operate quite differently here in France. In the UK you would normally return to hospital or your local doctor to have dressings changed, stitches out etc. Everything is supplied by the health service at the point of delivery. Over here I was given a prescription by the hospital for sterile bandages and plasters, iodine etc. Once collected from the pharmacy a nurse then comes to your house and uses the items to complete the medical care. I believe that 'sharps' - syringes, scalpels,... - are supplied by the nurse. Most or the time doctors/nurse visits, prescriptions, etc. have to be paid for then claimed back on French health insurance. At first it seems complicated but it does mean you have much greater personal responsibility for your own health care, that includes keeping your own copies of medical reports, X-rays and so on.
Anyway, the nurse came today and removed the last three remaining stitches in my wrist after having removed the alternate two a few days previously. It still feels a little tender and weak, but I suspect some of that is me being cautious. I'll soon be back up to full speed finishing the new gites.
| 7:43:31 PM
Stitches Out
