Healthcare in this region

Just like anywhere else, there are helpful and not so helpful people who work in both these hospitals.   In both places it is best to take a translator who knows about medical terms with you as, at times, information can get a little lost in translation.   I am lucky in that I have a very good Spanish friend who invariably accompanies me, even though I can get by in Spanish.

I have mainly had experience of the Vega Baja hospital.   The care that my late husband received there a few years ago was very good, he was treated for heart problems, gout, along with vascular, liver and kidney problems.   Over the years I have also received good help in respect of a broken bone, dislocated toe, skin cancer, suspected breast cancer (not proven) and shock on the passing of my husband.    

One friend that I have who has had experience of both hospitals prefers the Vega Baja.

Thanks for your response.  We do take a translator however, I am not sure what the problem is with communication. We are called for appointments which are for other people. We are sent by our GP to A & E with a report and then asked why we have been sent. This has happened twice.  I must say that the Vega Baja hospital, once we get to see specialists and doctors has been very good but we feel that the specialists are not talking to one another with regard to medication. 

On healthcare we are moving out to catral in June and my partner will need regular blood tests as has a kidney problem,any advice on where to go would be helpful please .

Unless you speak the language you need to take a translator with you. We can recommend a very good one. You will need to register at the clinic, having got your temporary or permanent SIP card. Given the Covid crisis the service has changed slightly.  At the moment, if you need to see a doctor, an appointment will be given for you (or the translator) to speak to the doctor on the phone, who will decide whether he needs to see you at the clinic. He will give your partner an appointment for a blood test which will be given for another day. The appointment for blood tests is 8.05 a.m. and used to be on a weekly basis unless it is urgent.   

The clinic shuts, I believe, at 2.30/3.00 p.m.  The next village, Dolores, is open 24 hours if medical assistance needed outside Catral's hours.   For a real emergency go straight to the Accident and Emergency at Vega Baja where they are brilliant.  However, only the patient can go into  A & E, friends/spouses have designated areas to wait. These can be found on the left hand corner of the building. Drinks can be obtained just inside the first door of A & E and toilets are behind the reception.  

Good luck

Thank you so much that is very helpful.