At Care in Crete, we understand that no matter how long you have lived in Crete and no matter how well you may speak the language, communication at hospital can be very tricky.
The public state hospital of Chania opened in the year 2000 with a lot of the latest modern equipment… however due to the Greek crisis the hospital has not been well funded and although the doctors are highly experienced and dedicated the nursing care in Crete does not resemble what you may have been used to in your own country.
Nursing in Crete consists of administering medication to the patient and checking on their vital signs etc. It does not include washing and cleaning of the patient, nor often the emptying of ‘bags’ etc. or help to use a bedpan. In Greece the system relies on a family member(s) to help, often in shifts…
Some patients are entitled to free extra care (known in Greek as Apokleistikes). These are assistant nurses who are paid either via your health insurance but if you are not entitled to free insurance, you can also pay them directly.
In order to help your hospital stay go as smoothly as possible we can arrange for a variety of services to improve your experience.
Interpreter
Before your hospital admission or if you have been admitted unexpectedly we will send an interpreter to meet you at the hospital to:
- Provide accurate translations of the doctor’s assessment and ask relevant questions for you (most doctors do speak great English however they are often unwilling to answer questions and give minimal information – our interpreters will ask your questions in Greek and then translate the answers so that you get the full picture of your situation).
- Help you to engage extra care should you be entitled to receive it or if you wish to pay.
- Should you want a follow up visit by our interpreter this can also be arranged.
Transport
A driver with their own car
A driver to drive your car*
Discounted taxi service
We can arrange for a driver to transfer you and/or your loved one to and from the hospital for doctor’s or patient’s visits as well as to transport both the patient and any visitors back home at the end of the hospital stay.
We can also arrange for a driver to assist with any other transportation needs you may have during your loved one’s time in hospital. This may be anything from transport to and from the hospital for visits to a trip to the supermarket to get your shopping done.
*Subject to what insurance you have
'Visiting'
Sometimes you need to get jobs done and can’t fit in the daily visit to your partner… we will send a ‘visitor’ just to check on your partner, sit with them and contact nurses/doctors should they need anything.
We cannot provide private nurses at the hospital however we can arrange for the hospital’s own private nurses should you need them.
Diet
Care in Crete can also arrange to supply meals during your hospital stay, should the hospital not cater to your specific dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or vegan). The menu offered will be in accordance with your hospital doctor’s instructions.
Post-Discharge:
After your hospital stay is over, Care in Crete offers help with arranging your follow-up appointments with the hospital as well as accompaniment to these check-ups.
We can also arrange home care should you need it, from someone to help with household chores to someone to administer injections, change bandages and more.