If you must suffer a debilitating injury abroad, please consider doing so in Guatemala. After a surprise car accident during a road trip to Rio Dulce left this writer with a broken back and a broken leg, Hospital Herrera-Llerandi in Guatemala City, with its state-of-the-art care and outstanding team of doctors and nurses, proved to be the perfect hospital far away from home.
Getting There: I was squired to Hospital Herrera-Llerandi by a speedboat ride across the Rio Dulce, a brief plane ride into Guatemala City, and then an ambulance that was waiting at the landing strip, but other prospective guests may wish to travel by car. The hospital is located on 6a Avenida, in bustling Zona 10, a fairly quick ride from La Aurora airport.
Service: Top-notch. The experience began with a stretcher ride to the radiology department, where my bones were X-rayed with the utmost care, followed by successive trips to the ICU, the OR, and, finally, my very own large and spotless room. The nurses were always smiling and professional, tolerant of my poor Spanish speaking skills and anxious to see that my needs were met. The team of doctors is simply excellent. My orthopedic surgeon answered all of my questions with honesty and took extra pains to make sure that my scarring would be minimal. Over a year and a half later, I am clambering across cobblestone streets in high heels with (relative) ease.
Activities: There's plenty to keep a post-op patient busy at Herrera-Llerandi—the windows are large, facing lush trees and sugarcane stalks, which are perfect for staring at. The color TVs come complete with a remote control and play channels in both English and Spanish (magazines and other media are not provided, although visitors are encouraged to bring them). There is even an athletic program: each patient is given a small portable plastic breathing machine to perform breathing exercises into. A tip for the more advanced: lying down while puffing into the plastic tube will provide a better workout.
Dining: In a word, exceptional. Each day, patients are given small paper charts a couple of hours before each meal, on which they may tick off their selections from an ever-changing and surprisingly delicious menu. The pineapple empanadas are highly recommended: crisp, tart, and dusted with powdered sugar—the perfect complement to a meal of savory arroz con pollo. Also try the chef's torrejas, a delightful nod to the country's comida tipica.
Cost: Surprisingly affordable for Americans. My total bill, including my surgery, came to around $7,000, as if you needed another reason to receive care here. Get wheeled—don't walk—to Guatemala City's Hospital Herrera-Llerandi.
by evasandoval432 on February 15, 2006