Corralejo Clinic doctors recommendations please

Biggles · February 21, 2015, 17:28:07 PM

I'd like to change my doctor.

Can anyone recommend a good one - male or female?

Ole Man River · February 21, 2015, 17:38:46 PM

Who is your Doctor, does the doctor speak English, do you speak EspaÃ±ol? What are you looking for?

Jock719 · February 21, 2015, 18:08:49 PM

We all at the Brisamar I haven't been but Mrs and kids have for the GP and say its very good. Private insurance though.

SheilaW · February 21, 2015, 18:43:44 PM

Can you actually choose? I understand that you are allowed one change (maybe not more than one) but I didn't think you could actually nominate one. I find mine is possibly rather lazy, though maybe the state has something to do with his unwillingness to spend any money on my health. But I wouldn't want to go from the fat to the fire.

Biggles · February 21, 2015, 18:52:15 PM

Quote from: Ole Man River on February 21, 2015, 17:38:46 PM
Who is your Doctor, does the doctor speak English, do you speak EspaÃ±ol? What are you looking for?

Can't remember his name offhand - coloured gent.
My spanish is fine.

QuoteCan you actually choose? I understand that you are allowed one change (maybe not more than one) but I didn't think you could actually nominate one.

Yes you can . and I'm pretty sure you can nominate.

malabu · February 21, 2015, 19:11:13 PM

ABSOLUTELY NO BOTHER RECOMMENDING DR KIRSTEN, SHE HAS ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD FOR YOU, HER PRICE IS SECOND TO NONE, HER NATURE AND CONVERSATION PUTS YOU IMMEDIATELY AT EASE, SHE DOES HOME VISITS AS WELL, SO THE WHOLE PACKAGE.

Please don't use all-capitals. It smacks of shouting

Tamkid · February 21, 2015, 20:52:01 PM

Agree Malabu. no nosense lady, never failed me.

peggy · February 21, 2015, 21:23:40 PM

Had recent dealings with Dr Kirsten and she is excellent. Lovely lady.

Biggles · February 21, 2015, 21:59:53 PM

I agree with the favourable comments about Kirsten but I'd like recommendations of doctors at the Clinic - the government one.

Ole Man River · February 22, 2015, 10:59:22 AM

We have a young English speaking Spanish Doctor at the Centro Salud clinic up by the bus station. Been seeing him for years. Why do you want change yours?
I think if you have a valid reason, they might agree to a change?

Biggles · February 22, 2015, 11:49:18 AM

I changed once before and didn't need a reason.

Years ago I mentioned I was getting severe pains in my eye. He wasn't interested. A month later I was in Urgencias with Glaucoma and an excruciating swollen eyeball.

I'm looking for a doctor who'll look at my records and ask what about this or that. e.g. I had high levels of cholesterol a while back but in subsequent visits they haven't enquired about it or suggested another checkup. The ones I've had don't seem interested. They just deal with the problem you mention.

I'm in my 60's and they've never asked me if I've had my prostate checked. (I haven't but I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get it done).

I want one who's more of a detective or at least more interested.

Ole Man River · February 22, 2015, 13:16:37 PM

Hi again Biggles, think you might be out of luck there! They are A LAW UNTO THEMSELVES. If you want specific good treatment & attention to detail, Kirsten is your best bet. She knows her stuff & you get what you went there for. With regular visits she can be good value, even though you have to pay. May be worth it?
I know we expect the same treatment here as the UK. The Spanish are just different. No really? Yes!

Wish you luck, I work between the 2. The Spanish system is hard work & takes forever sometimes.

Spike On Q · February 22, 2015, 17:28:45 PM

This surprises me! With the Canarian Health Service, registered with an S1 and as a matter of course I get a basic medical check by a qualified nurse every two months, full blood analysis twice a year, ECG twice a year, retinography once a year. Referral has been well managed where appropriate, i.e. Normal or Preferential requests for specialist appointments have been recognised. I wonder why the difference?

Ole Man River · February 22, 2015, 18:27:00 PM

Spike, it must be where you live. Corralejo is very different from all that you have aforementioned. I wish!

TamaraEnLaPlaya · February 22, 2015, 23:53:17 PM

OMR - I have to agree. Our doctor at the Corralejo clinic (Centro Salud) is very nice but not the slightest bit proactive. I've had to request all the regular tests that I would have expected to be a matter of course, such as mammography. Also found it strange that when we moved here and went to register our repeat prescription items there was no initial tests or even any Qs as to why some of the drugs were being prescribed, or for how long etc. One of the drugs I take can be prescribed for a variety of quite different and quite serious conditions yet there is nothing noted in my Spanish records about the reason I am taking it. On the other hand there have been thorough tests for a condition that has arisen while living here. Speaks pretty good English but I wouldn't go for him if you want 'proactive' Biggles. I won't post his name on here but you are welcome to PM me Biggles.

Spike On Q · February 23, 2015, 01:16:03 AM

May be you are right and that some "anti foreign" attitude is involved. It is much easier to deal with medical people now my Spanish has improved backed up by written translations thanks to Google. I'm sure we all understand there is no perfect system in the World but my experience here in Fuerteventura does show a level of humanity I've not experienced in other places and I do believe that the medical and other emergency services staff here are totally committed to the health and well being of the people they deal with

Biggles · February 23, 2015, 02:18:49 AM

I've no complaints* about Spanish Health Care other than missing or hoping for more proactivity from the GPs I've had here.
When you have an emergency or a diagnosed problem it's dealt with very well in the hospital and followed through if need be.
My family and I received excellent treatment even when my Spanish was rubbish.

* ..... Free Wifi for inpatients would be nice
Thanks TamaraEnLaPlaya for 'proactive' - nice one.

Ole Man River · February 23, 2015, 10:06:41 AM

Have to agree that the Emergency & the Hospital have been great here. The hospital follow up is also good. No complaints there.

SheilaW · February 23, 2015, 18:00:29 PM

Quote from: Spike On Q on February 23, 2015, 01:16:03 AM
May be you are right and that some "anti foreign" attitude is involved.

I don't think it has anything at all to do with nationality, Spike. It's simply a case of not spending money the government doesn't have. My state doctor clearly has that in mind and so do the specialists I've seen at the hospital in Puerto. Maybe the reality of the financial situation hasn't really sunk in yet where you live.