My husband has to see a consultant in February and almost certainly have an operation.

We are a little worried that we won't be able to understand what is being said to us, particularly with the specialist language used.

Will the hospital have a person who can act as a translator, or will we have to take our own?

It depends on the hospital, but the Costa Del Sol has a number of Translators who did come round every morning to ask if I needed them when I was having my baby.

What hospital are you going to

Thanks for your rapid reply!

Granada, but maybe he could have his op at Costa del Sol if there are translators?

He could do with someone at the consultation too. (seeing as how the op involves his male bits!).

Well, at the entrance to the Costa Del Sol there are translators and they are available to you. I was also very lucky that I had an Irish Midwife.

However, once baby was born, afterwards, the nurses and docs would come round and obviously speak spanish. We understood most of it but wanted to be completely clear and asked for a translator when they were talking to us...they really didnt like this and asked why I needed one, I didnt persue it.

But the translators came round every morning and asked if everything was ok and if we needed them just ask.

So I think you have to be alittle tough!

Thanks. I suppose if there is anything we don't understand, we'll just have to ask them to say it differently until we do!

I should not worry, there are usually doctors or nurses about that say they can speak a little English, but end up speaking it as good as us.
Take a little English / Spanish dictionary with you and ask them to show you the word if you are unsure.
I had to take my grandson it and panicked cos I am not fluent, but the doctor spoke excellent English and thought he only knew a little.

Thanks. We always carry a dictionary - I never thought of asking them to point the word out! Also we are going to write down in Spanish before we go some of the things we might want to say , in case our Spanish fails us.

The last Doctor we saw didn't speak any English at all!

Do you happen to know if I will have to stay in with him all the time when he has his operation? Do I have to provide food for him?

The Spanish are very family orientated, therefore they do expect someone to be with the patient to help feeding (food is provided), going to the loo etc, but I expect they will give you time off for good behaviour.
By having relatives help this relieves the nurses for more important things.

That is a good idea to write down what you may need to say and if you are not sure perhaps a picture, but dont worry they are professionals and do things similar all their life.

Thanks, I don't mind staying with him - we'd both rather I did! - but I wasn't sure what was expected. I actually think it's a good idea and they should do it in the UK.

When he went in as an emergency with salmonella (just overnight) they slapped a label on me saying I was his 'carer', so I thought I'd probably have to stay.

I'll take my own food/drink in though, shall I, and presumably I get a hostal to stay the night? (Too far to go home and I can't drive in the dark anyway).

Not too sure about general hospitals, I would think they would supply a comfy chair or bed for you.
That could be one of the questions for the consultant when you see him or her. I am sure they will make some arrangement for you.
When my daughter in law had her baby, they had their own room with tv and a spare bed for my son, but they were paying health cover at the time.

When I had my baby, my husband slept for 4 nights in a chair that extended...poor thing.

If that was suggested over here there would be an outcry that services were being cut.