Problem with doctor - Page 2

Why then did she do it in the first place in perfect en

My opinion, without knowing more than you have stated, is that there has been some form of misunderstanding and miscommunication between you, and that she has no wish to be involved in further possible misapprehensions. However, complaining about her achieves nothing and you would be best served by requesting another doctor and taking a professional translator.

Another group member has suggested that she maybe racially motivated against English people should I just ignore this or pursue it I ask you because out of all the people on this group you are the only person who has repl

I really think the suggestion of ‘ racial motivation’ is totally spurious and unfounded. Leave it alone. Accept the situation, change your doctor, take a professional translator for further appointments. As has been stated previously, you are in Spain and truthfully, the onus is on you to ensure communication if you are not sufficiently proficient in the language. Many medical personnel have some command of English but this cannot be expected and whilst it is to be welcomed for simple conversations, they may not feel it appropriate for detailed discussions.

While I agree with you on one level I can’t understand why with the amount of money the expats bring into the country more effort isn’t made to help the situation, in the uk most of the A&E waiting rooms are taken up by Asian non English speaking people yet I have never heard of translators being required?

Translators are often required in the UK - it's just that the service provision for them is slightly different. I'm sure it differs across NHS Trusts and other areas of the state but LanguageLine is one such example - whereby the translation can be done over the phone.

Alternatively, it could be that those in need of such services bring in a family friend/relative to help as it's likely that knowledge would exist in the wider family network.

But, just because - in the case of free at the point of delivery translation services such as LanguageLine that is the norm in a different country, doesn't therefore make it the norm in the country you are currently in. Indeed, ultimately UK tax payers will pay for that provision indirectly through their taxes.

However, to answer your specific point - it would appear that for whatever reason, the doctor / patient relationship in your case has broken down / damaged beyond repair. In that situation, the logical solution would be to find alternative service provision such that you can focus on getting whatever treatment and medication is needed to support your ongoing care and recovery.

Specific reference to certain races is totally unnecessary and I would suggest borderline racist based on the sense of entitlement you appear to espouse elsewhere in your messages.

Please give up the usual  they  need us British attitude  if you don't like Spanish systems why live here

I understand your frustration, but there may be other factors at play, that have made her change her mind about dealing with you in a ‘foreign language’ .. perhaps a colleague got into trouble because something important got lost in translation, and she decided not to take the risk - rather than any racial prejudice, or even because of anything specifically to do with your relationship with her. 

As others have said, arguing your point won’t get you anywhere here, in Spain .. in fact, they’ll just dig their heels in even more! I would find yourself a reliable translator for all official appointments, unless they specifically state that you can conduct the appointment in English. And learn some basic Spanish. Might also be good to prepare in advance of any meetings or planned conversations, by Googling some key words or sentences beforehand. You’ll find the locals can be much more tolerant and meet you half way, if you have a go at speaking to them in Spanish, and appeal to their better nature! 

There is a charity, based in San Miguel, called Help Vega Baja. For an annual membership fee of €10, they offer a range of services and discounts - one of them being free translators. They will organise someone for you, and you just pay their travel costs to wherever your appointment is. 

I hope you get sorted. Good luck.

Thank you so much this is very helpful to me I will join the group and use a translator you see so many stupid and negative comments but you have helped me enormously once again t

You’re very welcome. We just have to appreciate the culture is different here .. and go with it. Just remember all the good things you came here for, and enjoy those!! I have found an excellent Spanish Teacher (British, so understands what we find difficult!). She’s based in San Miguel, or offers classes over Zoom: Vicki +34 696 102 874