Going the distance

I was invited for a CT scan at a rural hospital recently, as they were helping the city hospital with appointments. I accepted as I had been waiting for the appointment for a year (no comment). However, this was a good chance to see and feel what it would be like to travel (only 1 and half hours) to a 10 min appointment.

How did it feel:

• There was definitely an impact on my day. The appointment was at 1:30pm.

• I had to think about my day more than usual, I had to plan times carefully as I also had other things to do.

• I had to think about fuel and the extra cost.

  • Thankfully I have a car otherwise, I would have not attended.

  • If I had to watch the pennies, I would have not attended.

  • If I had needed a driver, I would have not attended.

  • If I could not have got time off of work, I would not have attended.

• The whole thing was a chor if I am honest and an inconvenience. But I was grateful to be able to choose the option of traveling to a rural hospital and have the CT scan.

• It did make me relate to those that do not get the option. The added burden it puts on them plus the worry they must go through if that are immobile or incapable of attending.

• It is so vital that health services and the planning of these services are included in all conversations to help and promote health needs in rural communities . We can do so much better than we do. There are plenty of services (particularly diagnostic services) we can take to the community to improve outcomes.

• Bottom line is: I relate to rural communities and the struggles they face to achieve good health.

Rural Health Needs