Comparison of tic-bite treatment in El Salvador (for myself, a month ago) and UK (my daughter, nostr:npub1sfpeyr9k5jms37q4900mw9q4vze4xwhdxd4avdxjml8rqgjkre8s4lcq9l, today):

UK

- Rang 111 and described symptoms, told specialist would ring back

- ⁠Rang 111 again the next day as no call back received, referred to hospital (not nearest one)

- ⁠111 specialist rang back but said advice no longer needed as we had now already been referred

- ⁠Drove 45-minutes to the hospital

- ⁠Gave details to reception of symptoms and our details

- ⁠Then gave same symptom details to nurse in reception area

- ⁠Moved to paediatrics, and gave same details to nurse there

- ⁠An hour or so later spoke to doctor

- ⁠He went to go and get a second opinion and we were given prescription

- ⁠Went to pharmacy in the hospital who took our details and printed off a label

- ⁠Collected drugs from desk next door (with a wait time of over 2 hours)

Summary: 10 healthcare professionals (excluding the nice volunteer chap who brought us hot chocolates), 4.5 hours, 1.5 hours travel

El Salvador (“3rd world country”)

- Sent doctor WhatsApp message of the bite to ask to ask if need to see him (he asked to go straight in)

- ⁠At the local clinic 10-minute drive away, spoke to nurse who took details and took blood pressure, weight etc. and set me up on the system

- ⁠Went straight through to the doctor for an unrushed appointment

- ⁠Walked next door to collect prescription with the doctor

Summary: 3-4 healthcare professionals, under 1 hour, 0.5-hours travel

Not complaining, I am grateful for care received in both locations, but one seems a lot less efficient than the other and unsustainable.

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