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Making a doctor's appointment

PostPosted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 10:28 am
by TonTri
Can anyone tell me if you can make a doctor's appointment for a certain day and time, like you do in the UK, at the Lo Malabu surgery?

I am non-resident but I have my EHIC card with me as well as travel insurance but I need to arrange for an interpreter to come with me.

Re: Making a doctor's appointment

PostPosted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 11:27 am
by jpeg
They speak English no need for an interpeter

Re: Making a doctor's appointment

PostPosted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 11:39 am
by MatthewPople
I would advise getting a sip card before going to the doctors,you would get this at the town hall in Rojales,and advise getting a interpreter to help you on this,good luck.

Re: Making a doctor's appointment

PostPosted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 11:46 am
by TonTri
jpeg wrote:They speak English no need for an interpeter

I went with my husband a year ago when he was ill and the doctor didn't speak any English, so I had to use an interpreter for the follow up visit. When I asked at reception for an English-speaking doctor she said they didn't have any.

Re: Making a doctor's appointment

PostPosted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 11:47 am
by TonTri
MatthewPople wrote:I would advise getting a sip card before going to the doctors,you would get this at the town hall in Rojales,and advise getting a interpreter to help you on this,good luck.

It's ok, the surgery will give me a temporary sip card which should be all I need. I hope so anyway.

Re: Making a doctor's appointment

PostPosted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 12:15 pm
by Chrisdee
Don't know what your surgery is like but our one in La Mata is really busy with all the visitors from Madrid and elsewhere, my parents couldn't get an appointment until the 9th and that was 4 days ago.

Re: Making a doctor's appointment

PostPosted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 12:59 pm
by marcliff
The two lady receptionists at the surgery speak very good English but there is one man who doesn't and sometimes sits there. He is very helpful and if you can remember "cita" then he will help as much as you can.

The doctors are very reluctant to carry out a consultation without an interpreter. Some speak English but can be wary in case of mis-interpretation. There are signs up saying please bring an interpreter if you can't speak Spanish. Not necessary to make the appointment but yes for the actual appointment.

Appointments are available with our GP for next Tuesday after the weekend and 3 Kings as she is away tomorrow.

Re: Making a doctor's appointment

PostPosted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 1:01 pm
by Chrisdee
You may need a photo ID too to make an appointment, passport or driving licence is required at ours.

Re: Making a doctor's appointment

PostPosted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 2:58 pm
by TonTri
Thank you Marcliff and Chrisdee. I will call in the surgery tomorrow and see if I can get an appointment for next week for Tuesday onwards.