I am writing in response to Ms Pilar Díaz who wrote an article this week about her problem or lack of medical service here in Finland.
I think she was unfortunate possibly with her doctor or the health clinic but my experience of the Finnish national health is in complete contrast.
I moved here in 1996 and lived outside Oulu. Being deaf someone suggested I try using a cochlear implant. After many tests they operated and placed an implant in my head. This was a major operation and when they switched me on after a month it was like being reborn at 50.
I obviously had to relearn the different sounds, but to hear the birds singing all night (they do this in the north), I could not get enough.
This was free and I only had to pay the four days whilst in hospital, and even that was subsidised as I was unemployed at the time. It would have cost an arm and a leg otherwise.
However, I moved south to Heinola and am now in the care of Helsinki Hospital. If I had a problem with the processor or anything to do with its spare parts etc., I receive very good service.
About four months ago the processor I had had suddenly stopped working on a Friday evening. I contacted the hospital on Monday, went for a check on Tuesday and was given a time for a new op.
In two weeks again all went well, and within four weeks it was switched on. So, all in all, it was six weeks before I was up and running, so to speak, and have not had any trouble since then.
Again I only paid for the time I was in the hospital: two days this time.
I realise it is very expensive to live here in Finland but the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
If I should have this op in the UK I would have to go private.
Thanks again Finnish Kela and Helsinki Hospital.
Mike Burton
