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Medical Tests, first day
 • Over the years, the Maryknoll crowd have mainly used the BNH Hospital for more serious injuries and illnesses. Located in Bangkok near the guest houses we have traditionally used, it is a very convenient and very good medical facility. The flags along the driveway are not just decorations. They are a visible reminder of what is now called "medical tourism," the practice of people from all over the world coming to Bangkok for medical treatment that is just as good or better than in their home countries, with more professionalism and courtesy, and at a fraction of the cost.
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 . Visitors and patients to BNH recognize that something is different from the moment they arrive at the front door—not some distant parking lot—and are met by a uniformed doorman and offered valet parking. Several Bangkok houses are set up to attract foreign patients in this way and with other attractions such as Starbucks, McDonald's, French restaurants, etc., inside the hospital.
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 • Inside the hospital has well-appointed rooms, like a quality hotel, but most impressive is the staff. All staff visible to the public wear suits and the men all wear ties unless they have a special uniform. No jeans and T-shirts. Their personal skills are highly developed, too. Look just a little bit lost, and the next staff member will stop and offer help. And moving around between departments, a staff member goes with you to lead you to the next department on one of the six floors.
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 • Most surprisiing to me on my first visit to BNH was this sign which is found in the waitiing rooms of the different departments throughout the hospital. And they mean it. You're not supposed to wait too long. As I was waiting to see the doctor for my physical, a nurse kept coming to tell me "There are two more patients ahead of you." "There is just one more patient ahead of you." The doctor herself seemed to have all the time in the world, explaining everything thoroughly and then asking if I had any questions. |
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