Features 2010

June 2010

MOST OF US may never have a medical emergency in Shanghai, but it’s important to be prepared. Proper response to a life-threatening situation can make a difference.

Memorize emergency phone numbers: 120 for medical emergency, 119 for firefighters, 110 for police. Don’t expect a fluent English speaker on the other end of the line, and make sure you know your address in Chinese. Also memorize phone numbers for family or friends, in case you’re separated from your mobile.

Identify the largest hospitals by your home, work, and children’s school, and memorize the names and locations. For medical emergencies you’re best served in these hospitals’ emergency departments, as expat-friendly medical clinics cannot handle a life-threatening situation.

Several facilities provide after hours and emergency care for children. Shanghai United Family Hospital has a 24-hour emergency department, and ParkwayHealth can provide basic pediatric services overnight. Fudan Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Children’s Hospital in Pudong, and Shanghai Children’s Hospital in Jing’An provide services predominantly designed for Chinese speakers, but do have varying degrees of English service.

In a true emergency, if time is critical then take a taxi to the hospital. Ambulances do not arrive immediately and are not equipped to provide extensive medical assistance. If you do take an ambulance, expect to pay several hundred Rmb in cash.

Though you should always carry your health insurance information, not all local hospitals can bill international health insurance or accept credit cards. Stash 20,000 Rmb as a deposit in case you need emergency procedures, which are sometimes delayed until after payment.

Gregg Miller is a U.S.-trained emergency room doctor working at Shanghai United Family Hospital, and has lived in Shanghai for two years.

ParkwayHealth Medical Centers 百汇医疗中心
Multiple general and specialty clinics throughout Shanghai. Can care for inpatients in affiliated hospitals.
6445 5999 24-hour Appointment Service Center, www.parkwayhealth.cn, enquiry@parkwayhealth.cn
Addresses in Shanghai:
Gleneagles Medical and Surgical Center #389 Nanjing West Road Tomorrow Square Bd 4th Floor
Shanghai Center Med. and Dental Center #1376 Nanjing Xi Lu 203-4 West Retail Plaza
Hong Qiao Medical Center #2258 Hongqiao Lu
Specialty and Inpatient Center #170 Danshui Lu 2/F & 3/F
Mandarine City Medical Center #788 Hongxu Lu, Mandarine City Bd Suite #30
Jin Mao Medical Center LIFE, 1N01, Jin Mao Tower, 88 Century Avenue, Pudong
Jin Qiao Medical and Dental Center #51 Hongfeng Lu, Jinqiao, Pudong

Icons:
Large general hospital Locally-run Foreigner/VIP Clinic Accident/Emergency Department Pediatric Services English speaking pharmacy Internationally-run clinic

Good to Know

New Kid in Town

WorldPath Clinic International recently opened in downtown Pudong. The six-floor clinic is a multi-specialty clinic that includes pediatrics, ob-gyn, dentistry, plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine, general medicine and other departments. But WorldPath, headquartered in the U.S., also brings two other features to the landscape – a host of specialists from the WorldPath network around the world available within a phone call, and an in-house emergency evacuation service.

In addition to the permanent, onsite staff, WorldPath doctors, many from the Boston medical system in the U.S., rotate through the clinic at three-week intervals, lending international expertise to patient care.

The hospital also operates in partnership with Shanghai People’s Hospital 9, blending western approaches and processes with Chinese expertise. Other partnerships include Huashan Hospital in Puxi and Shanghai International Hospital in Pudong. WorldPath physicians have permission to admit patients and perform operations at both hospitals.

‘Tis the Season: Hair Removal

In addition to removing skin spots, tattoos and acne scars, dermatologists today are increasingly using lasers to remove unwanted hair from the face, neck, underarms, bikini line, arms and legs. Touted as being more efficient than electrolysis, laser hair removal involves using concentrated heat from lasers to damage hair follicles that inhibits future growth. For permanent hair removal, several sessions are usually required, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart depending on an individual’s response to the treatment.

Parkway Health’s Dr. Chunlin Yan recommends that anyone interested in laser hair removal first consult a dermatologist who can assess their suitability for treatment. Issues such as current use of medications and skin sensitivity to heat can be determining factors. Those getting laser treatment should avoid the sun up to a week before their session and stop using self-tanners.

What's Inside June

A Squash and a Squeeze: Decluttering for the Big Move
Shanghai’s Graduates
When To Move Back?
SF Extra - web exclusive articles:
Playlist for Parents

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