Emergency Room Visit (called A&E here)

In an effort to make sure that every day is an exciting one, Ella ensured that we check out the emergency services in Singapore within the first two weeks.  She fell and twisted her ankle while running out the back gate on day 8 of our residency here in Singapore.  I assumed that it was a sprained ankle for the first 36 hours (no black and blue, minor swelling but lots of pain...).  After 36 hours I thought that maybe I should do something about it so we ventured to the KK Womens and Childrens Hospital Emergency Services Department.

After finding the correct floor (that took us the longest amount of time!), we registered, paid ($98 up front no matter what the problem!) and then had x-rays, saw a doctor who said she fractured the small side bone in the ankle, casted the ankle and bought crutches - all within 1 1/2 hours and all for the original $98!!!  Although it was traumatizing, it certainly proved to be an efficient and cost-effective experience.  The doctor explained to us that it went quickly because it was raining and no one wants to venture out in the rain so therefore the emergency waiting room was much less than usual.  All future visits for the Virkler family will have to coincide with rainy days - let's hope the emergencies we have can help us stick to that plan!!!