During 1998 I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to go to Majorca in the Baleric Isles for two weeks. It was my first holiday abroad for over than 15 years.
Dialysis arrangements were made for the NEFDIALl Clinic, in Palma, part of the Clinica Femina group, which also has its own group of hospital services nearby.
The haemodialysis unit is newly built, the original unit having been located in the Clinica Femina’s hospital complex. The unit is small, comparitive to the usual large units in the UK, and takes only about 10 patients at a time. The majority of machines are located in 1 main area, with a few machines in smaller rooms to the rear of the unit.
Machines used were comfortingly the same as in my ‘home’ unit (Gambro AK 100 series). The unit was a convienient 5 minute walk from the Hotel. A small waiting area/reception leads to both the main dialysis area, and the area used for weighing, checking blood pressure etc.
The sister of the unit (Christine) speaks Spanish, German and English, and was wonderful throughout our stay! The rest of the staff speak mainly spanish, but we seemed to be able to understand each other. Food is provided for patients in the form of ham or cheese filled baguettes, although by the end of our visit they had got used to the request ‘Jamon y queso’ (Ham *and* cheese!). A choice of drinks is also provided; hot, or chilled soft drinks.
The surrounding area is interesting. The immediate area is mainly residential, shops are basic, and there is a variety of cafés that serve all types of food! The supermarket stocks most things you need and at a cheaper price than a lot of the small ‘tourist’ shops. Buying bottled water is essential, as most visitors are not used to the local water which is rich in minerals, and causes upset stomachs! A walk up the hill from the clinic, through the park, takes you to the Castillo Belver (Castle with the beautiful view!) which is well worth the walk (alternativly there is a road route) and is a cheap and enjoyable visit. I would not recommend it directly after dialysis, though!!.
Also within walking distance is the town of ‘Old Palma’ which is a classic cathedral city, a good place for shopping, meeting, eating and drinking, and even surfing the net, as Palma has a CyberCafe! A walk into Palma takes you past many sites of interest, including the very large Marina.
Other areas of the island are best explored by the cheap public transport system, by taxi or by hire car. The resort areas of PalmaNova and Magaluf are very popular, and very busy. But it is worth exploring the rest of this beautiful island, which sadly I didn’t have time to! There is now a NEFDIALl Clinic listed in the mountainous region of Inca, and should I get the chance to return to Majorca, I shall certainly be giving it a try.
Dialysis Clinic: NEFDIAL,
Avinguda Joan Miro
20, Local No.2
C.P. 07300
Palma de Mallorca
Tel: (971) 20 01 12
Fax: (971) 22 01 13
Hotel (one of the Sol Hotels group): Hotel Sol Bosque
Camillo Jose Cela, 5
07014 Palma de Mallorca
Tel: (971) 73 44 45
Fax: (971) 73 34 44
Reservations Number: UK 0800 282 720
Fax: 020 7916 3431
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only.
Page created: 22 April 2001
Last updated: 10 April 2008
This website is intended for UK residents only.
If you have any comments about this site, please EMAIL the webmaster
