Ballina - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is questionable. There was just a big MRSA scare. I am confident in the care here, but if I had a choice, even though it's free here, I think I would rather be sick in the States. The hygiene standard is pretty bad, even in doctors offices.
I had planned a home birth on my second child (first born in the US) because of the horror stories I'd heard about childbirth here), but it worked out that I had to go to the hospital and they were wonderful, had a completely intervention-free natural birth exactly as I had planned. I didn't like the pre-natal visits though. They have everyone come at the same time and then you wait wait wait to see some student doctor. Frankly I would much rather see a midwife, as they are better qualified and are probably the ones going to deliver the baby anyway! - Aug 2006
