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Unprepared Brits face ‘pain in Spain’

25/07/2007

Buying a property in Spain is a dream for many Britons, but not speaking the language can prove a difficult barrier for some British expatriates when it comes to medical services...

The Spanish Society of General Medicine (SSGM) has expressed concerns that communication problems can cause "serious misunderstandings" when doctors are trying to treat foreign patients. It also increases consultation times, placing strain on the Spanish Healthcare system.

SSGM research shows a large increase in expatriates attending Spanish hospitals with serious conditions, but less than 10 per cent of these patients can communicate with staff, with nearly a third having to rely on hand gestures and phrase books.

However, help is at hand with the Xtra account from Banco Halifax Hispania.  Designed especially for Britons living in Spain, the Xtra account offers exclusive access to the Banco Halifax Club, which enables British expatriates in Spain to access information about and order from a broad range of local, common, household services, via an English speaking hotline.

24 hour medical helpline

One of those services is a 24-hour medical helpline which operates 365 days a year. One phone call connects you to an English-speaking Medical Consultant who can advise on any situation regarding you or your family's health, from unusual symptoms to a full-blown emergency.

Consultants can also guide you to the nearest clinic or surgery and, if needed, will send the most appropriate person to help until the emergency services arrive.

Ian Smith, head of European Operations at Halifax, said:

"When emergency situations arise, not speaking the language can prove to be a difficult barrier for some British expatriates.  For those settling in Spain, unless you speak fluent Spanish and understand the local dialect, explaining your symptoms to ensure you receive the correct treatment only adds to the worry."

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