SIP card, what next?

Tomorrow I pick up my SIP card from Alicante as I am now paying into Convenio Especial.
As I fall under the Algorfa region I am assuming I then go to the medical centre to register with a Dr.
Has anybody been through this in Algorfa . Is there more than one Dr? Do I need an interpreter?
Any help would be much appreciated.

If the convenio especial card is the same as a normal SIP then you will already have been allocated a doctor and a nurse. Their names will be printed on the back of the card along with the name of the medical centre.

We had to go to Alicante to pick up our SIP cards when we joined the Convenio Especial. The people there were so helpful, the lady issuing the card spoke only Spanish so her colleague, who could speak a little English, translated for us. They asked us which doctor we would like to be registered to and set it up there and then on their computer. So basically they register you to the doctor of your choice immediately. We only went to the medical centre in Lo Maribu when we next needed to see our doctor. I hope this helps.

If you have to do your Sip registration in Algorfa, I can confirm that there is one GP practice off the Main Street (Calle Mayor). As far as I know they do not speak English there and require an interpreter.
There is a lady in Algorfa who does interpreting (name Barbara, but I don't know how to contact her). I am sure that the people who run the English grocery 'Alldays' near the top of Calle Mayor would be able to help you.

Good night:

The general rule is that if you dont speak Spanish you need a interpreter. Some doctors speak English, but not all and sometimes they move to another town. I would just take an appoinment to know if he/she can understand you perfectly or not. In case he/she can not understand perfectly you would need an interpreter because they dont want a misunderstood about something so so important. In case in the future you go to an expesialist you would need a interpreter because you can not lose your appoinment if he/she doesnt understand you.

We are getting better in English, but not everyone.

The receptionist at the surgery, Lordes, speaks good English, the doctors will not, the nurses generally do not. You need an interpreter to see a doctor, you may not to see a nurse.