Medical Appointments and translators

[David Jackson]

The Junta has started a new simultaneous translation service for non-Spanish speakers in all it’s medical centres.

The system currently supports 46 languages, and consists in the doctor and patient being able to talk via a translator over a conference call from a central call centre.

The Junta de Andalucía and Andalucian Health Service have launched a new service for non-Spanish speakers who need to visit a doctor.
Currently, doctors will not treat non emergency cases unless the patient speaks Spanish or brings a translator.
The new Salud Responde service allows a doctor to make a conference call to a translation service, whose operator will translate to and from the patient.
The new service will be available in 46 different languages and has a budget of 450,000€ a year.
Currently, the Andalucian Health Service estimates that it serves some 500,000 residents of Andalucia a year who do not speak Spanish, plus a further 9 million tourists a year.
Out of the 46 languages on offer, 11 will be available 24 hours a day every day of the year, the other 35 will be available from 8.00-18.00 every working day.
The main eleven languages are: German, Arabic, Mandarin, Bulgarian, Slovakian, French, English, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian and Russian.
Since the translators are all professional medical translators, the patient is guaranteed a professional, reliable free and confidential service, which will prevent them having to find a medical translator and receive full impartial medical information.

Salud Respondeis a unique service in Spain that has never been tested before.
It also allows patients to book appointments with their GP or medical centre in their language by calling 902 505 060; faxing 953 018 715; visiting their webpage online at
www.juntadeandalucia.es/servicioandaluzdesalud or sending an SMS to 600 123 400 with the word CITASAS followed by your medical card patient number.
It is also trailing a telephone health system whereby citizens can call for free medical advice on trivial symptoms.

[mmm]

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Commission warns Spain on EU pensioners' access to necessary healthcare

The European Commission has today sent a reasoned opinion to Spain for failing to comply with EU legislation on social security rights for people travelling in Europe. The Commission takes the view that Spain discriminates against EU pensioners by refusing them access to free medication when they stay temporarily in Spain. The Spanish authorities now have two months to respond. If they fail to do so or if the response is unsatisfactory, the Commission can decide to take Spain to the European Court of Justice.

EU Social Affairs Commissioner Vladimír Špidla said: "European legislation guarantees everyone in the EU the same access as residents to necessary healthcare when visiting another EU country. Spain is the one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, but the current Spanish rules impose additional red tape on EU pensioners who might need access to medication during a temporary stay. We're taking action today to make sure holidaymakers from other EU countries enjoy the same rights as residents."

Under EU legislation (Article 31 of Regulation 1408/71), pensioners who are staying temporarily in another EU country can make use of their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive necessary healthcare under the same conditions as pensioners insured in that country.

Spanish legislation allows pensioners insured in Spain to get medication for free. But EU pensioners are required to show an additional document issued by their national social security services, in Spanish, to certify that they are in receipt of a state pension.

The Commission believes this is contrary to European provisions and discriminates against EU pensioners on holiday in Spain. Moreover, the requirement to present a supplementary document is not consistent with the principles of the European Health Insurance Card, which aims to simplify procedures and reduce red tape for people when travelling in Europe.

The 'reasoned opinion' is the second stage in the infringement procedure, following the first 'letter of formal notice'. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission can refer the matter to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.

[D.assum]

anyone here have a b6 that lives in alabama or close to alabama or know someone that has one close by?

[chiccomallo]

I have ,do you want to borrow it ?  

[stingkong]

wots a b6?

[chiccomallo]

Its a bit better than a b5 but not quite as good as a b7  
Its much better to have a c6 although a c5 will do if your stuck
ive jusy applied for a d4 but i dont think i will get one , keep your fingers crossed for me everyone