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INTRODUCTION

“Tell the Doctor” was originally compiled to help doctors in Orba (Alicante) communicate with their non-Spanish speaking patients. From these small beginnings, it is now used all over Spain. This latest edition now also contains information to help you use the various services that are available to those who live or come on holiday here.

The phrases and vocabularies contained in this book are to help you tell your doctor what your problem is and to then be able to understand what his diagnosis and treatment are. A book this size can only cover the basic problems that may arise but it should give you enough to get out of trouble. Even if your Spanish is good, when you are in pain or under stress it is not always easy to think of the right word or phrase.

HOW TO USE THE BOOK

If you cannot speak Spanish well, or maybe not at all, you can just point to an appropriate phrase.

Or the doctor can point to a phrase and then you indicate if it is true or false (nod or shake your head). If there are alternatives (printed in italics), point to the word or phrase that applies to you.

You can also copy out phrases onto a piece of paper before you go to the doctor, so that you have everything you want to ask him in one place. Use the vocabularies to change them as necessary.

You can also use the book for another person or child who cannot speak for himself, as most phrases can be taken to mean ‘he’ or ‘she’ instead of ‘I’ or “you”.

CONTRIBUTORS

Members of Association Careline/Com-Sanit in Orba, helped to produce this book. In fact, it was their idea back in 1992.

Members of all the HELP associations throughout the Costa Blanca, over the years have been unstinting in sharing their experience of dealing with the many health problems that may arise within the ex-patriate population in Spain.

There were, additionally, many other individuals who made suggestions over the years.

It is such input which has made the book so comprehensive. It is, of course, impossible to cover every situation that may arise. However, its usefulness and practicality as a means of communication for 'first contact' with the Spanish medical system is excellent.

The latest edition now includes helpful suggestions about using the health and social services here in Spain.

This will help prevent some mis-understandings and unreasonable expectations when using these facilities. Most people find them very efficient and, if we encounter difficulties, it is usually because we do not realise how things work here.