Water, water, everywhere!

Wow!  Isn’t it nice to hear that even at my age I can be an inspiration to someone younger?

I was visiting my lovely young (probably 30ish) Indian physiotherapist for my final visit on Thursday when she began our session by telling me that I’d inspired her.

Feeling flattered as she’s young, fit, successful (Head of Department in a new hospital) I wondered what I’d done to be getting this acclaim.  It turns out that my determined effort to keep swimming even when my shoulder hurt had inspired her to begin swimming.

So what a nice way to end 8 sessions of physio.  I have to say the respect is mutual as she is the best physio I have ever attended by a long shot.  I no longer have pain in my shoulder joint and those who know me well understand how long I’ve lived with that.  I still have a bit of discomfort at times in the shoulder blade area but with regular exercise this should diminish.  So I’ve been very impressed with her. 

Another ‘magical’ treatment she used was the use of ultrasound as a pain reliever.  I don’t understand why I’ve never had this in NZ but it is like a wonder drug without any drugs.  It’s different than the buzzy, tingling ultrasound I’ve experienced back home.  This one you don’t feel at all but it works wonders.

We were both disappointed to find it was my last session but I’ve now applied for some treatment on my elbow (another long-standing area of pain).  Hopefully the relationship can continue for another couple of weeks.

As a regular at the hospitel (her version of hospital meaning hospital and hotel combined) I’ve come across some of the most helpful staff around.  They think they are busy and overworked but the caring treatment is world class.  Most of the nurses are Filipino and Drs are Indian, French or Lebanese.  So very multi cultural.  I’ve found a wonderful GP who treats me like a long-lost friend and is always happy to see me.

You have to see this hospital to believe it.  It’s called Burjeel and is part of a large Indian chain.  I know this because I saw it on a TV documentary about the money in health care being poured into the UAE from some of the best centers in the world.

As you pull up out the front there is valet parking.  Inside is the concierge’s desk with staff ready to help you.  The foyer contains comfortable individual chairs.  A fountain tinkles in the background.  Inside the GP waiting room small comfortable benches await you.  Water is always available from dispensers while often staff bring around fruit juice.

I see luggage boys with their trolleys taking patients bags (including embroidered pillows) up to rooms.  Security is everywhere and they are extremely helpful.  Doctors speak to you in the lifts and hold the doors for you.

All this adds to the impression that you are in a hotel which is what they are trying to achieve.

Mind you, I had an ‘only in Abu Dhabi’ moment there last week.  I shake my head in disbelief as I recall it.

I had been sent up to dermatology by my GP to see about getting a veruka frozen.  When I finally found the department, right next to physio where I’d started from, I approached the counter to make my appointment.

As I’m waiting for the guy to finish his (personal) phone call I turn back towards the door I’d come through.  Only to see water seeping at an alarming rate across the floor from the door to a bathroom.  I say to the guy, “You’ve got water all over your floor.”  He stands up, looks over the counter, says, “Oh my god!”  Then picks up the phone and makes three phone calls in quick succession.

All the while I’m standing there thinking why doesn’t he go and turn off the tap.  I look down at my shoes and decide I’m not going to do it.  Obviously I’ve been here too long!  Then the security guard arrives, takes one look and races into the bathroom.  At last, I think to myself, someone with some sense.  I hear the sound of gushing water.  She takes one look in there and retreats at high speed to summon help.  Still no-one has turned off the tap if that’s what it was.

The water continues to spread and I step back as it puddles around me.  It seeps under the front counter towards the photocopier but still the guy just phones people.  Finally the cleaner man arrives and races in through the huge puddle and turns off the tap!

Another cleaner arrives and the two of them sweep the water back into the bathroom, over the lip of the doorframe and down the outlet.  Meanwhile now two security guards look on, apologising profusely when I leave, having to step over the puddle.

I was tempted to take a photo of four people standing looking at this situation.  I even got my phone out but was wary of security.

Obviously everyone here knows their job description.

                                                                                                                       

Only in Abu Dhabi!