When I first arrived in Spain, the hardest thing to get used to was needing a “Cita” (an appointment) for any medical visit. The waiting times for specialists, in particular, can be frustratingly long. But it seems things are finally changing. I heard on the news that to ease the pressure on specialist clinics, a few public hospitals in the Community of Madrid are piloting evening hours. This means we might finally be able to see a doctor without having to take time off work! For those of us who work or study, this is fantastic news.
This initiative is currently in a pilot phase, so not all hospitals and departments are participating. I took some time to check the official website of the Community of Madrid’s Department of Health and have compiled the information on the first group of hospitals offering these evening appointments for anyone who needs it. The program primarily targets high-demand specialties with long waiting lists, like Dermatology, Ophthalmology, and Rehabilitation.
Details of the First Pilot Hospitals and Specialties
This is a positive development for Spanish hospitals overall. According to the official announcement, the evening clinic hours are primarily scheduled between 16:00 and 21:00. I’ve created a simple table so you can check if your local or regular hospital is on the list. It’s important to note that the booking process, including getting your Cita Previa, remains the same as for daytime appointments: you must first get a referral from your family doctor (médico de cabecera), and then you can choose an available time slot in the system.
| Hospital Name | Specialties Involved |
|---|
| Hospital La Paz | Dermatology, Neurology, Rheumatology |
| Hospital Gregorio Marañón | Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology (ENT) |
| Hospital 12 de Octubre | Traumatology, Rehabilitation |
| Hospital Ramón y Cajal | Cardiology, Gastroenterology |
Some Personal Thoughts
I think this is a really positive move; at least the government sees the problem and is trying to fix it. Although it’s just a pilot in a few major hospitals and select specialties, it’s a great start. I hope the program succeeds and expands to include more hospitals and departments, maybe even adding more options at facilities like the Gregorio Marañón Hospital. What are your thoughts on this new policy? Has anyone recently scheduled an appointment with a specialist at one of these hospitals and managed to get an evening Cita? Or what other specialties do you think are in urgent need of extended hours? Let’s talk about it! 🤔
