No need to hire a translator – Salud Responde sets the record straight

Multilingual notices displayed inside some public health centres in Andalucía, and increasingly reported in parts of the Valencian Community and other areas with large expatriate populations, have caused confusion among non-Spanish-speaking residents after appearing to suggest patients must attend appointments with their own interpreter. Regional health authorities have now clarified that the posters do not reflect official policy and that patients are not obliged to bring an interpreter in order to receive care.

The notices, translated into English, French, Arabic and Russian, advise patients who do not speak Spanish fluently to attend consultations with an interpreter from January 1 2026. Photographs of the posters, bearing Servicio Andaluz de Salud (SAS) and Junta de Andalucía branding, were shared widely across local social-media groups and expat forums, prompting concern about access to healthcare for international residents.

Similar notices have also been reported in parts of the Valencian Community and other regions with high numbers of foreign residents, raising questions about whether the approach is spreading informally between clinics rather than being introduced through regional policy.

Scope and origin of the notices

Issued locally rather than by regional authorities

While the physical notices photographed inside clinics appear genuine, Salud Responde said they should be understood as local communications produced at individual health-centre level. No matching press release or guidance document has been published on official regional health channels.

This distinction is significant, as local administrative notices may be displayed in reception areas without representing a binding policy change. Until now, no formal announcement has been made indicating a shift in how language support is provided within Andalucía’s public healthcare system.

Existing interpretation services already in place

Doctors can access translation support across the system

Salud Responde emphasised that Andalucía’s public healthcare system already provides an established translation and interpretation service for use when patients do not speak or understand Spanish. The service is available to clinicians across centros de salud, hospitals and emergency departments and exists specifically to prevent language barriers from affecting diagnosis or treatment.

Crucially, the regional helpline stressed that patients are under no obligation to hire, bring or pay for an interpreter. Responsibility for ensuring effective communication rests with healthcare providers, who can access telephone or other interpretation support when required.

Local pressures and practical realities

Clinic-level guidance may reflect workload concerns

Health officials acknowledged that individual clinics may encourage patients to attend appointments with a Spanish-speaking companion as a practical measure, particularly in busy surgeries where consultation times are limited. However, such requests are not mandatory and cannot override patients’ right to care.

Some expats highlighted that while translation services already exist within the public healthcare system, they can be stretched in areas with high numbers of international residents. Emma L., an expat in Mijas, said health services “cannot function properly if too many appointments rely on informal support from friends or family,” adding that encouraging patients to attend with a companion could help reduce pressure on staff.

Reaction from expat communities

Most residents supportive of bringing a companion, while some raise concerns

Reactions among expatriate residents have been largely positive, with many agreeing that attending appointments with a Spanish-speaking companion or interpreter is a practical measure, provided official translation services remain available.

One long-term resident in Málaga, identified here as David M., said the approach “makes sense,” adding that misunderstandings in medical settings can have serious consequences and that clearer communication benefits both doctors and patients. Another expat, Helen R., who has lived in Spain for over a decade, said she already attends appointments with a Spanish-speaking friend when possible. “It’s not about discrimination,” she said. “It’s about making sure nothing important is misunderstood.”

Other expats supported the principle of personal responsibility. Michael P., an expat in Valencia, said: “If you choose to live in another country, it’s reasonable to make an effort with the language. Healthcare isn’t a convenience service, accuracy matters.” Similarly, Laura S. noted that she routinely pays for private translation during appointments and finds this acceptable, while stressing that vulnerable patients and emergencies must always be supported by the public system.

A small number of residents raised concerns about clarity and accessibility. Sarah T., an elderly expat with hearing difficulties, said she worries that unclear messaging could discourage vulnerable people from seeking care, particularly in emergencies. She emphasised that official interpretation services must always remain visible and accessible.

Overall, while not every resident agrees on the approach, the majority of expats commenting online or interviewed welcomed the guidance to bring a companion when needed, as long as professional translation support remains available and patients are not penalised for attending alone.

Key points

• Multilingual posters advising patients to bring interpreters have appeared in parts of Andalucía and Valencia.
• Salud Responde says the notices are not a regional initiative by them.
• Non-Spanish speakers are not required to bring an interpreter.
• Public healthcare already provides interpretation services for clinicians.
• Local clinic notices appear to reflect operational pressures, not policy.

Patients advised to seek clarification locally

Patients who encounter such notices are advised to contact their local centro de salud or Salud Responde to confirm what interpretation support will be provided. Regional authorities are encouraged to publish clear guidance to reassure migrants, expats and visitors that language barriers will not prevent access to Spain’s public healthcare system.