France in Focus

Prior to a 3 monthly doctors check up I've this morning had what seemed to me to be an extensive blood test. Tested this morning with results by internet at 3 o'clock this afternoon.
Fortunately all the results save 2 slight anomalies were within limits so it looks like I'm OK for a while
Great service for this type of thing but I wonder what would happen if something serious had been found as appointments for specialist medical services are now ranging out to a year or more in our neck of the woods.
Total change from when we first came to live in France 20 years ago.

I had a problem with iron levels which came to light after blood tests. It was sorted within weeks with medication and a colonostomy

L Austin France wrote: ↑Fri Nov 10, 2023 8:10 pm I wonder what would happen if something serious had been found as appointments for specialist medical services are now ranging out to a year or more in our neck of the woods.

You would be shipped off to Urgences .. no waiting for a specialist appt.
This happened to a friend of mine one Saturday lunchtime after the laboratory contacted her local Dr following the results of her Sat morning blood test.

L Austin France wrote: ↑Fri Nov 10, 2023 8:10 pm so it looks like I'm OK for a while

It's always a relief isn't it.

I too wondered what would happen if you needed a specialist. I see Sue has answered the question.

OH had an issue with an implant. Dentist recommended him to an Implant Specialist. Next available appointment was December 26th ! This was back at the end of October. No choice, he took it.

And no, it was not like this when we arrived in France 23 years ago. Quite the opposite.

I would hope that while appointments are a long way ahead for the more minor issues ,that a bit of capacity has been built in for more urgent matters
And as Sue says Urgencies for the real serious immediate stuff

I have had yearly but extended at the last visit to 18 monthly check ups for an up 'till now stable heart condition with one due at the end of this year.
At the beginning of June this year, thinking 7 months ahead was sufficient time, I phoned for an appointment with the specialist & was given the next available date in May next year.

L Austin France wrote: ↑Sat Nov 11, 2023 10:50 am At the beginning of June this year, thinking 7 months ahead was sufficient time, I phoned for an appointment with the specialist & was given the next available date in May next year.

It really is so disappointing and really alarming how it has gotten so bad.

It might seem bad but when there is a need for some urgency appointments become available. Your MT will fix an appointment

I book the following year's annual gynae check as soon as I come out of her office.
Mammograms used to be booked 3 months ahead, now it's nearly 6 months.
As others have said, it certainly wasn't like this when we first came to France. That said, it does seem to depend where you live. We don't seem to be badly off here, and if Saint Malo can't cope, there's always Rennes.

Our real dread is going to the Urgences here with a fracture as several friends of ours here have not had good experiences ....