GP

Make an appointment and introduce yourself. Remember you/we are in Spain and shouldn't expect all Spainards to speak English or any other language for that matter. All GPs in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) are not required to be fluent in another language. The only difference is the UK will provide interpreters free but the Spanish don't.

All the doctors in Guardamar insist  on a translator  It is protection for both parties

Hi no sorry there you have the wrong information. I have met people they have an English speaking one and they don't need a translator . And they don't have a private one. Maybe some GP's ask for a translator. 

Everyone I know who goes to Guardamar Salud  requires a translator. Most of the doctors can speak a small amount of English, so with some basic Spanish, you can probably get repeat prescriptions. But if you need to be referred to a hospital and/or getting test results they will,ask for a translator to be present obviously as explained in a previous post this is at your own cost.

If it’s your first time visiting a GP in Guardamar they will require you to have blood tests. These are usually done around 8am  within a couple of days and you’ll need a translator when you get your results. Try and avoid Wednesday appointments as parking is a nightmare. 

We use Guardamar Salud and have never used a translator, our Dr speaks very good English and i have had referrals to Torrevieja Hospital through her for my Cancer treatment without problems. I once saw a different female Dr and she too spoke good English so again no translator needed. 

Regards,

Dave.

Thanks a lot for your comment Dave. I think we now have it sorted. It would be on the websites of the medical centres and hospitals if they would insist that people they don't speak Spanish need a translator. I would go to an appointment without a translator but I take Spanish lessons so I hope I will be able to say everything in the Spanish language in a couple of years.

I hope you are doing well Dave and wish you all the best. 

All surgeries have a sign up saying if you don't speak Spanish please bring a translator. It's then pot luck if you are allocated one who speaks English. Lots don't like speaking English due to making mistakes in treatment and instructions although many will. Never had a problem at Torrevieja hospital but my wife's GP wouldn't speak English and I would accompany her to translate. Now she tells me in Spanish and then tells my wife in English and looking at me for confirmation but that took about 5 years or so before she did it.

Our GP was on holiday once and she saw a different doctor who spoke to her in English. Therefore pot luck on which one you get.

Note that you can apply to change doctors for some reason but they don't accept the fact the doctor doesn't speak English as a valid reason.

Despite the signs, it will depend on the doctor. 

Our Doctor at Guardamar Salud speaks perfect English and we have had appointments at Torreveja Hospital only once were we told by the hospital we would need a translator.

Hi Elche Dave, thanks for sharing your news.  Almost all of the doctors and those in the medical profession in Lliria (Valencia) almost refuse to speak another language and further complications arise with the Valencia Spanish and the Catalonia Spanish languages.  In an emergency situation it is not easy to find a translater or interpreter.  Every area of Spain is different.  One of life's Spanish challenges!