Let's compare it to, oh let's say, the NHS.

you mean the UK NHS - there are lots of threads about healthcare in Spain, and I guess because so many of us are from the UK, they just about always end up comparing the two

just put healthcare or hospital, for example into the search for the Spain country forum & you'll get loads

IME - if you can get access to the state healthcare here in Spain, it's better than the UK NHS


here's a recent thread Trip to the hospital!!!

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Its quicker to see a doctor in Spain, the waiting times to see a consultant are a little bit quicker, the doctors are more thorough than the UK, hospitals are cleaner....However, their bedside manner/attitude isnt as sensitive or as sympathetic, their overall care isnt as comprehensive (hospitals dont concern themselves with bathing, feeding and general care) and hospitals arent as quiet or as orderly as the UK

Thats based on my experience! Out of the two, I much prefer Spain, they just get on with doing the job

Jo xxx

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It really depends where you are. Public health care in Spain is run by the autonomous communities (Andalucia, Catalunya etc) and their policies and spending can differ quite widely.

All of them will be forced to make extensive cuts in the next few years due to the massive "austerity measures" the country is committed to. So, just like in the UK, those who can afford it will be able to go private and those who can't will see a reduced quality of care. Our local clinic has already reduced the number of doctors on duty from three to one, and he now has to cover both appointments and emergencies.

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Read about life in the pueblo: La Vida Alcalaina

Health care here is very good cannot fault it, but administration is a completely disorganised mess, waiting rooms are completely chaotic and very noisy.

Comparing with the U.K., there I waited 18 months for a Doppler scan, Here for something similar I waited less than ten minutes

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https://picasaweb.google.com/1095542...eat=directlink

Wonderful to hear it.

I'm not British, so sorry for citizing the NHS, but I don't like it. And from the sounds of it Spain's healthcare system sounds better than Portugal's, which is a nightmare.

Me gusta!

I went to our local village health centre with a small lesion type thingy on my left-hand index finger. I thought the nurse or doctor would just give me some appropriate ointment.
I was referred to the Costa Del Sol Hospital in Marbella and had four appointments, one being for a minor op to remove said 'thingy'.
All that for something so trivial.....The standard of care I got was superb. It couldn't have been better if I'd had something really serious.
Yes, the hospital was noisy. Loads of people coming and going. I must say I loved it...the ambiance was bright, colourful and cheerful.....if I have the misfortune to have to be hospitalised I'd rather be somewhere like that. There was a delicious smell of coffee in most places too.
Each time I went I struck up conversations with Spanish people whilst waiting my turn, conversations which ended in besitos...
And I think there must be a law which states that anyone working in the Andalucian health service must be incredibly good-looking.
Nice to have what I believe is vulgarly known as 'eye candy', whatever your age or gender of choice.....

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'The Owl of Minerva spreads her wings only at the onset of dusk'.

Quite true Mary,the hospital or doctors waiting room, it's just like being in a bar.

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Todos con Lorca .

And let's face it Gus.....I'd rather be in a bar.....and so would you.
So if the hospital can create the next-best ambiance...suerte!!

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'The Owl of Minerva spreads her wings only at the onset of dusk'.

Universal health cover arrives in Spain on January 1

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Todos con Lorca .