Visiting a Spanish hospital? Steve Marshall’s guide to getting it right

Visiting a large Spanish hospital for the first time can be a daunting experience, particularly if you are not confident speaking Spanish. But a little preparation can make all the difference, according to British expat Steve Marshall, who has put together a practical guide to help English-speaking residents navigate their way around the Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol near Marbella.

Steve says, “Getting older often means more frequent visits to doctors and hospitals. While appointments at a local health centre may be relatively straightforward, larger public hospitals can be confusing, busy and difficult to navigate, especially when language becomes a barrier.”

Steve’s guide focuses on the Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol, situated just off the A-7 at kilometre 187, near Marbella. His message is simple: “be prepared, know where to go and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Here is his step-by-step guide.

1. Prepare before leaving home

Having the right paperwork and information with you can save considerable time and frustration.

Steve recommends taking:

• Your hospital appointment letter or SMS confirmation.
• Your Spanish health card, TIE or passport.
• A list of your current medicines and their dosages.
• Any recent X-rays, test results or relevant medical paperwork.
• A written list of your main medical concerns.

One particularly useful tip is to use Google Translate to produce a Spanish version of your medical concerns. This gives you something to show your consultant if communication becomes difficult.

Steve also advises checking that your mobile phone is working and fully charged. Take some water, a face mask if you prefer to wear one, and allow plenty of time to get there.

2. Finding the hospital

The hospital has been extended and, according to Steve, visitors should use the new entrance at the front of the extension rather than looking for the former main entrance. There is free parking available, while public transport provides alternatives for those without a car.

From Fuengirola:

• Take the M-220 bus.
• Get off at Los Monteros.
• Walk approximately 350 metres to the main hospital entrance.

From Marbella:

• Check the timetables for bus lines 6, 12 and 13.

Steve recommends checking current bus services before setting off, as routes and timetables can change.

3. Checking in: where to go first

Once inside the hospital, turn right towards the reception area. For English-speaking patients, Steve recommends looking for the desk marked with a Union Jack flag. This is where patients can seek assistance if they are unsure about their appointment or where they need to go. Wheelchairs are also usually available near the entrance.

If you already know where you are going, the automated check-in consoles offer another option:

1. Do not check in more than 30 minutes before your appointment.
2. Select ‘English’ in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
3. Enter your NIE number.
4. Collect your numbered ticket.

Large directory notices on the walls help visitors find their way around.

Still unsure? Take your ticket to the member of staff at the Union Jack desk. Steve says patients can also request a free interpreter service there if needed.

4. Finding your consultation room

Once checked in, follow the directions to your designated waiting room.

Find your room number and take a seat. A television screen will display patient identification numbers, corresponding to the numbers printed on the tickets issued at reception.

Keep an eye on the screen. When your number appears, it is time to go into your consultation.

5. During and after your appointment

Consultations usually involve both a consultant and a nurse. Steve says most consultants he has encountered speak English, although this is less common among nursing staff.

Patients are normally given a written medical report in Spanish after their consultation. If you do not have an interpreter with you, your smartphone can be particularly useful.

Steve recommends using the translation app on your phone to:

• Translate the written medical report into English.
• Help you understand.