On my first winter in Finland, I experienced a severe and unpleasant condition caused by sinusitis. I called Viiskulma Terveysasema and explained that I was suffering from sinusitis and would like to seek medical treatment.
The practitioner nurse laughed and said, “This is Finland. What do you expect?” I didn’t respond much, as I was suffering from a major headache from the sinus infection and couldn’t process much information. I asked her again what the next step would be to get medical assistance.
The nurse repeated that getting a headache is normal in Finland, especially with dynamic temperature changes. I explained to her again that this was my first winter in Finland and my respiratory system was not able to adjust accordingly due to my sinus condition. I asked her again if she could help me to get medical attention, keeping in mind that I had called the health station very early in the day, around 8 am.
The nurse then asked if I had been diagnosed with sinusitis, and I confirmed yes. She then scheduled a visit to the health station for three weeks in the future. I asked her if there was any closer schedule available, and she simply responded with a “take it or leave it” attitude. She then read the time, date, and doctor’s room number and hung up the call without waiting for me to confirm that I had written down the information.
What a high quality of bedside manner.