Ok, just re-read your questions, I didn't really answer them!
Here's how to register etc:
- Look up the number for Tsan Yuk hospital which is the associated hospital through which QMH does all their antenatal stuff. Tell them you want to book in to their ante natal program. That will start the process.
- The cost is pretty much free throughout the whole 9 months, with few charges for things like ultrasound, and the hospital stay but it's only about $300-$500 in total.
- Antenatal classes are good, we found them really helpful as first time parents. The English is reasonable and you can ask questions etc.
- Be prepared to be a 'number'. Just accept that from the beginning and it will be easier. You aren't going to get a lot of nice personal service, you will feel like you're on a conveyor belt, you won't get to know your doctor like people who go private.
- There is a LOT of waiting around in the antenatal appointments. Accept that and show up 15 mins early for each one to maximise your chance of getting top of the list and less waiting time. But often an appointment can take 2 hours in the public system because of all the waiting.
- Be proactive in asking questions. They don't really have a tendency to disclose things, so ask, ask, ask.
- The food in the hospital is not that nice, if you're used to Western food. But that's a small point! And who really feels like eating a four course meal after they've given birth anyway.
- Bedside manner and language problems are another issue. It's hard to just 'chat' with a nurse or doctor when they are restricted by language, so you tend to have a few frustrations of communication. Another reason to perservere and be proactive in asking your questions as they won't volunteer.
HTH again!
