Biking & Baking in Las Alpujarras

We've been in Spain for over 4 years now - plus 4 motorbikes - and a horse - join us for the ride!

Medical matters
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 @ 1:10 AM

In case anyone out here is worried about using the local health services, I have had some reassuring experiences at Motril hospital today. A routine check-up that became more complicated meant that I had X-rays, Echocardiogram and biopsies all done in one 3-hour session...beat that NHS!! Everyone was professional, friendly, hygienic and spoke more slowly on request! I'll give further updates if my opinion changes, but so far I've found that the services generally (emergency centres and local doctoring) are good. We know someone here who is getting regular mental health services too. I have all my NHS medical notes to hand, in English, which they seem to want...some things are international and the language is often the same : biopsy/biopsia, contrast/contraste, X-ray/X rayos and so on.

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6 Comments

Tamara said:
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 @ 6:06 PM

Hope all's well - thinking of you!

casalinda said:
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 @ 10:53 PM

Thanks Tamara. I'll know more in a couple of weeks!

Rehana said:
Thursday, August 30, 2012 @ 7:53 PM

hope you are ok. I must admit I am worried about medical care in spain. I will be coming to condado de alhama soon and was wondering which medical centre/hospital to visit if I become ill suddenly or have an accident. How much does one have to pay? I will have my own travel insurance but am not sure which is the nearest centre and what number should one call for an ambulance.
Rehana

casalinda said:
Friday, August 31, 2012 @ 7:57 PM

Hi Rehana
I am sure that Murcia will have its own hospital with an accident & emergency centre, just like in the UK, and Alhama (I don't know that area) may well have a Centro de Urgencias 24/7 as well. The most common 'visitor' problem is wasp stings and heat stroke, which they will know exactly how to treat. You don't have to pay, just make sure you have your European Health Insurance Card and your passport, plus a photocopy of your passport too. They only charge for non-urgent treatment.
I don't know about local ambulances but 112 is like 999, only to be used if absolutely necessary.
Contado de Alhama seems to have its own Forum here on EOS so why not ask some questions on there, for local knowledge?
If you have an ongoing health condition, I would bring a copy of the relevant GP notes with you, even in English, and know if you are allergic to penicillin or anything.
Good luck, enjoy your holiday, I'm sure you will be fine!

Lesley said:
Sunday, December 2, 2012 @ 5:03 PM

Yes the National Health service here in Spain is absolutely wonderful in all aspects my husband & I have been here 6 yrs & I myself have had major surgery with a great follow up which is still on going after 5 yrs while in hospital I had a room with on suite shared with one other person & saw a team of doctors + consultant every day except Sunday. In the UK this would be classsed as private care possibly !!.

casalinda said:
Sunday, December 2, 2012 @ 6:59 PM

You're so right...aren't we lucky!

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Casalinda
I'm heading towards 65 and enjoying life out here in Spain with my partner Steve and all our great friends here and in the UK. I have cancer and know a bit about the Spanish health system these days, but my motto is 'it'll get me one day but not yet!' We live simply, enjoy good company, the fabulous scenery and fresh air, our motorbikes and my special Andalusian mare Canela. Also the village cats! Home-baking has given way to growing vegetables, walking and riding, but we never know what else may crop up! And you can rent our s/c granero if you contact me direct. I have lots to say, so blogging is a good way to do it!