Medical healthcare in Spain

OSTEOPATHS: Russell Dougall and Sonja van Kommer.

MANY of us move to Spain for health reasons, the sun and the warmth promising to help improve conditions from arthritis to asthma to chronic bronchitis and angina.

Although the heat and sunlight do help in many cases many of us move at a time in our lives when our health is not at its peak. Many years of stressful working conditions and long daily commutes may leave our bodies and minds in less than optimal condition.

Russell Dougall and Sonja van Kommer registered Osteopaths (GOsC, UK) have found over the past 13 years of practice in Spain that most people struggle with the language and often have difficulties communicating well with their GPs in a second language.

Sometimes physical health issues are more easily managed than mental health, but everyone often prefers to discuss their health problems in their mother tongue.

“We have many patients being misdiagnosed through simple errors of communication. Our advice to people seeking advice on issues affecting their health is to continue to improve their Spanish language to help when the circumstances arise, if not, to use a reputable and qualified translator.

“We speak fluent English, Spanish, Dutch and German at the clinic and patients are often relieved to speak to someone in their own language. This helps us establish the correct diagnosis and ensure the patients are receiving the right care from the appropriate specialist whether with ourselves or other health professionals.”

Clear communication and understanding is at the heart of any problem solving process and in health it is often the key to safe and effective care.

Russell Dougall helps to bridge this gap, offering patients the opportunity to have a thorough case history and examination in their own language; they can then offer a written report in Spanish to inform the GP of the necessary tests or a particular specialist who the patient may need to see.

“We see patients in pain and suffering unnecessarily, some for years, whose health complaint has been misdiagnosed because of being misunderstood.”

If you wish to consult them on a health issue they are trained and experienced in medical screening and will be able to help you improve your healthcare. Phone for an appointment on 643430703, to arrange your initial consultation.

Russell Dougall – Osteopath
643430703

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