I'm grateful you survived the ordeal, moley, and are doing better now. Smiddy, et al., too!
Here in the US, being poor doesn't prevent good care. Similarly, when I had severe angina and subsequent myocardial infarction -- is that what they call the heart attack? -- I had two ambulance ferries to two different hospitals. In ER alone, I counted some 12-plus medical personnel who attended to me one way or another. I remembered their names and sent them a thank you letter. They were caring and efficient.
When the bills came, Medicare paid the lion's share (they paid 80%, yet it was only some 20% of what the hospital charged, I recall). Since I don't have supplemental, I had a 20% copay. Was I worried? Sure, at first, but I was allowed to make interest-free monthly payments to the hospital; some companies who performed services asked what I could pay; some forgave the balance after several good-faith payments, etc.
I'm sure there are horror stories out there. In my case, however, it was compassion and caring and cooperation vis-a-vis my financial circumstances. Can you imagine my joy when I made the last $40 installment (the highest monthly payment)?
Best wishes toward a speedy recovery.
CoCo