There are no unusual health hazards that you have to worry about while in Spain, since sanitary facilities are quite good. Tap water is clean, but you might want to buy bottled water. Many people find the water a bit distasteful because of its high mineral content. Sunburn and sunstroke are two more problems frequently encountered during Spanish summers. Remember to apply sun-block lotion, and to drink enough liquids.
Pharmacies
If you are troubled by a minor complaint, the local farmacia or chemist, marked by a blinking green cross, is a good starting point. Pharmacists are well trained and often prepared to give advice - although do bear in mind that they didn't go to medical school - and sometimes speak English.
Pharmacies are normally open from 9am-1pm and then again from 4-7pm. A rota system for 24-hour coverage operates, with a list of the nearest one that is open posted on the door.
By law, Spanish pharmacies must sell you the cheapest brand of medication if that's what you ask for. Otherwise, it's a bit of a lottery.
The morning after pill
The morning after pill or la pildora del dia despues has only been recently introduced to Spain and controversy still surrounds its use. The official line is that you must first obtain a prescription receta medica from a doctor. However, it is still worth asking at a pharmacy, because they may sell the pill to you anyway, or alternatively give a high dosage of the ordinary contraceptive pill, whether you are charged for this service, depends on the individual pharmacist.
Pregnancy testing
Pregnancy tests can be carried out at the pharmacies themselves or pregnancy test kits can be purchased for around 6 euros.
AIDS/HIV
AIDS helpline
Tel: 900 21 22 22
Dentists
Dentists are not covered by the E111 and treatment can be quite pricey.
Diego Cascajo Garcia de Mesetas
Paseo de Colon 25, tel: 95 421 7756
F Javier Grosso de la Herran
c/Juan Ramom Jimenez 13-2-B, tel: 95 427 5419
Emergency hospitals and clinics
Hospital General "Virgen del Rocio"
Avda Manuel Siurot s/n, tel: 95 455 8181.
Centro de Traumatologia y Rehabilitacion
Avda Manuel Siurot s/n, tel: 95 455 8181.
Centro Maternal-Obstetrics-Gynecology
Avda Manuel Siutor s/n, tel: 95 455 8181.
Hospital Infantil (General Hospital)
Avda. Manuel Siurot s/n, tel: 95 455 8181.
Hospital Universitario
Avda Doctor Fedriana s/n, tel: 95 437 8400.
Clinica de la Cruz Roja
c/San Jacinto 87, tel: 95 433 0100.
Clinica del Sagrado Corazon
Avda Manuel Siurot 47-49, tel: 95 416 3500.
Clinica de Santa Isabel
c/ Luis Montoto 100, tel: 95 457 0904.
Clinica Nuestra Senora de Fatima
Glorieta de Mexico No 1, tel: 95 461 3300.
Hospital de la Cruz Roja
Avda de la Cruz Roja s/n, tel: 95 435 1400.
Hospital Provincial de San Lazaro
Avda Doctor Fedriani 56, tel: 95 437 1100.
Hospital Psiquiatrico de Miraflores
Crta Miraflores s/n, tel: 95 435 5600.
English-speaking medical professionals
Care has been exercised to include only practitioners who are thought to be capable, reliable and ethical in the following list, but Spainalive is unable to assume any responsibility for the activities of any of the professionals listed. The inclusion of an individual in this list does not in any manner convey approval, nor is one person recommended more than another.
GPs
Patricio Brioso Vazquez
Avda del Greco Bloque A-3-D, tel: 95 452 0430
Maria Rosario Cantero Caceres
c/Pino Montano, tel: 95 494 5758
GYNAECOLOGISTS AND OBSTETRICIANS
Francisco Cascales Guiyano
c/Virgen del Antigua 13, tel: 95 445 6169
EAR, NOSE AND THROAT SPECIALISTS
Joaquin Puig Pinillos
Avenida Republica Argentina 40-2, tel: 95 445 8040
NEUROLOGISTS AND NEUROSURGEONS
Hector Salgado Rodriguez
c/Benito Mas y Prat Blq J-5-Dcha, tel: 95 457 7419
OPTHALMOLOGIST
Javier Arriaga Sanz
c/Infante Don Carlos 16-bajo, tel: 95 442 3259
Jose Moron Salas
c/San Eloy 27-B, tel: 95 422 1600
RADIOLOGIST
Francisco Campoy
c/Ciudad de Ronda, tel: 95 441 7360
UROLOGY
Enrique Carrasquilla Martin
Avenida Republica Argentina 38, tel: 95 445 7541.
