I was staying in Whitehouse at the South Sea View Guest house back in 2001. On my birthday, I decided to climb down the ladder into the sea to snorkel. Well, the ladder broke and cut my leg (side note- be careful on ladders from the sea. I bet they generally rust quickly, and don't last long). Not life-threatening, but it was obvious that I needed to be stitched up. Luckily, I was traveling with a friend who was raised in Bluefield's Bay, Jamaica - but lived in Athens, GA, like me. We jumped in our rental car and he flew to the Black River Hospital.

I signed in, and waited in the ER with several Jamaicans. It seemed like they gave me special treatment, as I didn't have to wait that long. I remember them asking for me before some of the Jamaicans that had been sitting when I arrived. But, there may have been other reasons for that. Specifically, they called me before a child with a burn injury. I declined, and they took him first. Shortly after this, they took me back, stitched me up, gave me a tetanus shot, and prescribed me an antibiotic. It was way more clean and professional than I had expected. And more efficient than in the US.

Then, I was given a bill and my prescription and told to go to the pharmacy (on site). I got in a line, handed in my prescription, and waited. They called everyone back up to tell them what the meds would cost and see if they wanted to fill the scrip. I was shocked that my medication only cost about $13.00 US. And, when I went to pay the bill for the surgery, it was about the same!

I had seen Blue cross sign in the billing office window, and contemplated whether my insurance from the US would be accepted there. But, when the whole thing cost me around $26 US, I was amazed. On the way to the hospital, I thought I was about to spend the reminder of any money I had for the trip. Overall, I was very impressed with the care I received. In a strange way, I am glad I was injured, so that I could have the experience.

I remember the hospital sitting right on the sea. There are several long buildings that sit out behind the main building, and overlook the sea. Whenever there is a hurricane threatening Jamaica, this image pops in my head, and I think "What do they do with all of the patients in those buildings during the storm?"