COF

I've just watched the show "Benidorm ER" and it's left me confused about how the Spanish health care system works.

It seemed that if any British tourist or expat has an accident or falls ill in Benidorm, then a private ambulance turns up and takes them to a private clinic, in this case Clinica Benidorm.

Why aren't they taken to a state hospital? I mean, not all British tourists and expats neccessarily have travel or private health insurance so couldn't afford to pay private clinic fees anyway.

I would have thought that if you had an accident in Spain then a state ambulance would come and take you to a state hospital, but it seems in many cases this does not happen.

There was one guy featured on the programme who broke his arm getting out of the pool, and presumably the hotel phoned for an amblulance.

I would have assumed a hotel would phone for a state ambulance, but perhaps they actually contact a private clinic and maybe receive some sort of commission from the clinic?

snikpoh

That's a good question. I've lived here for over 5 years now and I still don't think I understand the system.

I think hospitals 'sub-out' some services to the likes of Cruz Roja (Red Cross).

Because we live in the country side, when we've needed an ambulance, one of us has had to drive to the local health centre (which is the emergency centre and not the hospital!) and then escort the ambulance back. Because of that, when possible, we now simply take the person straight to ER ourselves.


I will watch this thread with interest as I would like to know the answer to your question.

lynnxa

the few times I've called 112 for an ambulance (for both residents & holidaymakers) an NHS ambulance has appeared & taken the patient to the NHS hospital

I suspect that in the case of the TV programme the hotel had an arrangement with the private clinic, working on the (not necessarily correct) assumption that all holidaymakers have travel insurance

Mitzyboy

Im not sure what kind of an ambulance came for me, but it took me to Gandia "public" hospital and then on to Valencia University "public" hospital. On the way back the ambulance was a logo'd red / whiite Van with a wheelchair bolted to the middle of it

jojojojojo

I suspect that with a full film crew on the scene in "a hospital", the ambulances and hospital destination were pre-arranged so as to make life easier for everyone - I'm sure money changed hands prior to filming between the film company and the hospital!

jo xxx

VFR

As far as I know all the ambulances are run by private company's (?)
A good number of hospitals are also private enterprises but take NHS patients in ER, this of course is paid for by the state if you hold an appropriate health card. (no charge)

evamar

That's precisely what I understand. Not sure if things have changed, but people only need some studies (técnicos) in order to drive the ambulancia and to attend people.

jdr

Yeah but on most around here the driver is accompanied by a doctor and a nurse.

jojojojojo

It was a TV programme, it would have been pre arranged that any Brits in trouble that night, would be picked up by an appointed and paid for ambulance service, complete with mobile film crew and taken to a pre arranged hospital, who would have a film crew ready and waiting.
Jo xxx