(Urgent) Pediatric Care Options for Residents and Non-Residents
If you are a parent living in or visiting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, you might wonder what to do if your child gets sick and needs urgent medical attention. Where can you find a pediatrician who speaks English and accepts your insurance? How long will you have to wait to see a doctor? What kind of facilities and services are available for children’s health care in the city? In this blog post, we will try to answer these questions and provide some useful tips based on the experiences of other parents who have faced similar situations.
Alberto Florido Pediatra
A favorite of many of clients is Alberto Florido Pediatra. He is very respectful and speaks English.
Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín
One option is to go to the Urgencia (emergency room) of the Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín. This hospital accepts the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and has some doctors who speak English. However, be prepared to sit in the queue for an hour or two, especially during peak hours or weekends. You might want to bring some food, toys, books or other items to keep your child entertained and comfortable while you wait. Also, make sure you have your ID and EHIC with you when you register at the reception.
Centro de Salud
Another option is to go to the nearest Centro de Salud (health center), which are smaller clinics that offer primary care services. These centers are usually less busy than hospitals and can handle common children’s diseases that do not require immediate intervention, such as colds, ear infections, rashes, etc. The staff at the registration desk might not speak English, but the doctors usually do. You will also need your ID and EHIC to access these services.
Hospital Materno Infantil
A third option is to go to the Hospital Materno Infantil, which is a specialized hospital for mothers and children. It is free of charge with the EHIC and offers a wide range of testing and treatment options for children, from X-ray to MRI. You just need to go to the Emergencia Pediatria (pediatric emergency) and present your ID and EHIC at the reception. This hospital might have longer waiting times than the Centro de Salud, but it has more advanced equipment and facilities for children’s health care.
Conclusion
We hope this information helps you find the best option for your child’s urgent medical care in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Remember that if you have any doubts or questions, you can always call 112 for emergency assistance or 061 for health advice in English. Stay safe and healthy!
