Similarities and Differences between Nanshan Hospital and Hospitals in the US

Earlier on Saturday, we had some family members visit us here in Nanshan. I think we're one of the few patients in the Stem Cell Ward who have relatives living nearby.

It struck me that bringing meals to the patient is expected in many hospitals around the world. The smells and aromas of the food permeate the entire floor. In a recent phone conversation with my sister, she asked, "Where is Lily staying?" I responded, "In the same room." In the US, that just isn't done. It is not unusual in China and Hong Kong that the hospital would allow a caregiver to stay overnight in the room with the patient. Another difference is the fact that Nanshan does not have a centralized meal service for the patients. At least, I have not seen meals being delivered from within the hospital to the inpatient wards. The patient is left to find the means to feed himself. There are a lot of take-out places that would deliver to the room and the restaurant downstairs will also make deliveries.

Now for some of the similarities. The "technology" available is plenty adequate. At Nanshan, there is a blend of new and old ---- MRI's and acupuncture can be found at the same facility. Is a motorized patient bed that reclines that different from a hand cranked one or does iodine as a disinfectant (which stains) versus disposable alcohol wipes matter that much?

What is unique about Nanshan's Stem Cell Ward? There are about 20 rooms on the floor. Each room can accommodate three beds, but one patient gets to use the entire room. The rooms are very bright and spacious. We are very fortunate to have Wi-Fi reception in our room because our room is adjacent to the common room where the internet connection is. Most patients bring their laptops into or use the computers in the common room in order to surf the net. Also, Nanshan is one of Beike's first and well established locations. Especially for English speaking patients, Shenzhen's close proximity to Hong Kong means a good availability of English speakers.