Waiting lists for non-essential operations remain long on Lanzarote, but there are ways to ensure that your case is being attended to.
The first thing to do is to book an appointment with your médico de cabecera (GP) at your local health centre. They will request a specialist appointment for you at the hospital or a related clinic, and times can vary.
After the first appointment, you may be required to attend again for various tests before your operation is scheduled. Being called in for blood samples is also normal. Notifications are often given by phone, so stay alert and keep an eye on missed calls.
At any stage of this process, delays may occur. If you’re worried that you’ve been overlooked, or want to know the state of your case, you need to attend Atención al Paciente (Patient Attendance).
ATENCIÓN AL PACIENTE
This is the hospital department that deals with enquiries about the process of your case. It is located in the consultas externas (outpatients) area of the Dr José Molina Orosa Hospital.
If you do not speak Spanish, it is a good idea to take assistance.
Numbers will be issued at 9am, and several people may already be waiting already. To find your place, ask “Quién es el último?” (“Who’s last in line?”) and keep your eye on them.
Once you have your number, wait until it appears on the display (it can take a while), then head down the corridor to a counter where a staff member will listen to your request and advise you.
You will be given an official form which you must fill in, sign and date. This must be taken to the registry office, which is around the corner in the main entrance of the hospital, opposite the excellent cafeteria (a good place to fill in your form).
The form will be copied, stamped, and returned to you, and you are legally obliged to receive an official reply within four weeks.
Don’t get your hopes up too high, however. The reply may simply confirm you are on a waiting list. However, if there has been an error in the process, this is where it will be identified.
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