Australia's poor health system

I have been operating for the last week with one hand and it is really quite frustrating. I can't open a bottle of water or even start my car properly! I went to the hospital on Wednesday night because everyone thought I should get it checked out to at least rule out a break or fracture. Warned of long waiting lines at the hospital, Big Bear got me a stack of magazines and we headed to St. Vincent's Hospital. Waiting room was relatively quiet and I was told I was forth in line. I believe hospitals should treat everyone (rich, poor, young old), so I didn't complain when a homeless person was sleeping in the waiting area or when an old man walked out for a smoke baring his bottom.

Unfortunately, most of the people in the waiting room seemed to have Swine flu symptoms so Big Bear and I decided to wait out in the cold instead of catching something serious. An hour later, we asked how far we had progressed in the line - still number four. And the nurses' excuse was becuase there were lots of ambulances coming in. We had been waiting by the ambulance bay and not once did an ambulance come in. Rather disappointed, we left and I went to a Private clinic the next day. Paid a lot more, but at least it was good service and I didn't risk catching Swine Flu. I hear people complain about the system all the time, but you don't understand until you experience it first hand.

Anyhow, I managed to see a lovely doctor near work - an old Jewish man and he was adorable! He asked me a dozen questions before asking what was wrong with me...he believes that accountants and lawyers are the two worst professions left in the city. He said that he's dealt with patients who have worked with asbestos and heavy physical labour...and even they are treated in the workplace better than us. With trade unions, they get regular breaks and decent working hours unlike us professionals. I thought that was very true - no one really seemed to take notice of my bandaged hand and a workmate said "Uey, they'll probably make you work unless you were lying in hospital dying". So there I was trying to plough thorugh work with an injured hand and with all the typing we do, it should be categorised as an occupational health hazard! I am using an ointment called Lasolin to help with my burst blood vessels and try ease the bump causing the pain which the doctor call a "coagulation of blood"..all very glamorous stuff.