I have read several free newspapers where ex-pats have written letters about their bad experiences of hospitals here in Spain but I recently experienced the Accident and Emergency department of our local hospital (Hospital Universitario Los Arcos Del Mar Menor in San Javier, Murcia) myself and must say that I found it fantastic.
Within 5 minutes of registering my details at the main reception desk, I was seen by a triage nurse who took my blood pressure, temperature and general information about my symptoms and no more than 30 minutes later, I was examined by a doctor, put on a drip to rehydrate me and to stop the stomach pains, had blood taken which was sent for testing and was taken to the X-Ray department. I was finally taken to a mini ward to await the results.
A few hours later the results came back and the doctor gave me the diagnosis and then told me I could go home. She gave me a piece of paper with the diagnosis and a list of medication I needed to get and told to take this to my doctor. All in all, from registration to when I was discharged was 4 ½ hours which I thought was very quick considering all the tests and examinations carried out.
Several people I know have also been treated in the Accident and Emergency department of this hospital and have also experienced a very good standard of service from them.
My next post will give you an insight into what it’s like to be an in-patient.
