These posts about the National Health System make me feel so proud: "Among other things, my children inherited from me a deviated septum. My eldest son, Spyros, had a serious problem with snoring and sleep apnea from a young age. We made the decision to proceed with surgery and began our search with different ENT surgeons at two of the largest private hospitals in the country. Basically, they both told us the same: the surgery would cost €3,500, and if we agreed, we would go into surgery the following week. Apart from the monetary amount, I admit that something didn't sit right with me about both: they gave me the impression that they were more businessmen than doctors. That's why I asked a known maxillofacial surgeon whom I trust, and she recommended Mr. Papoulias from the "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens. We booked an afternoon appointment (48€) to expedite the whole process and met an excellent doctor who didn't see us as money— a stark contrast to the others. He won Spyros’ trust from the start, and we decided to proceed. When would the surgery take place? In two and a half months, and not the next week as we had been told at the private hospitals. We said that it didn’t matter, as the issue had existed for years, we could wait a few more months. A week before the operation, we received a message on our mobile with information about the preparation and procedures. For any questions we had afterward, the doctor himself responded, giving us instructions. The day before, we went to the hospital for the pre-operative check, and we had friendly and professional service from the doctors in the ENT clinic, the nurses, right down to the reception. We finished in two hours! (The only downside: the parking lot of the hospital is off-limits to those who do not belong to the staff). The next day, bright and early, we were the first surgery of the day. "Gennimatas" may not resemble a five-star hotel (especially building 1), but the hospital is generally clean and presentable. As we waited outside the operating rooms, the ambulance drivers were continuously transporting people. The kindness and the way they treated the patients made a huge impression on me. Especially a tall, middle-aged gentleman was something else—how he spoke to them, how he encouraged and gave strength to everyone! I honestly regret not asking his name to congratulate him. Spyros came out of surgery, and everything went well, thank God. In the ward afterward, the nurses were very helpful, as were all the doctors in the ENT clinic. Every little while, the cleaning staff thoroughly cleaned everything. The next day, the tampons were removed, an examination was done, electronic prescriptions were issued, the "butterflies" were taken off, and the discharge was done electronically, without needing to run around in lines with long waits. So simple, good, and nice. We went for the pre-operative check on Tuesday at 9 in the morning, and by Wednesday at noon, we had finished and left the hospital. Personally, I have comparative data because throughout my life, I have had three surgeries on my nose (septum and turbinates) in private hospitals, and the problem still persists. I have therefore booked an appointment to have the surgery again, this time at "Gennimatas". Let me not forget to mention that during the entire process, no phone or "connections" were used. Unknown to each other, in a difficult moment, we received impeccable, human, and professional service. We want to warmly thank Mr. Papoulias, the medical staff, the nurses, the ambulance drivers, and all the staff of the ENT clinic and the "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens. Finally, I want to thank the most worthy and effective Minister of Health this country has ever had. Thank you, Adonis." (translated)
