Hi Tony,
I have a house just south of Chinon where I and my wife live for about three months each year. Last June, I had a mini stroke and was taken to hospital in Poitiers. I have no doubt that the medical attention was excellent but the problem was communication! My French is ok for general living but does not cover medical things. I tried to get a interpreter but was told it was not possible. The food was very poor, not at all what I expected and the general friendliness non existent. Do you have any ideas about finding an interpreter in the hospital system?
Kind regards,
George

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Hi George,

Sorry to hear you were unwell and in hospital.

Here in Herault my personal experience of the hospitals is very good – local wine with the meals and I could not wish for kinder and more positive helpful people.

Language is a problem, if you do not speak French, you will have difficulty communicating. I am not aware of any translation service provided by any hospital – but there are usually professional translators in most towns, or you may find useful contacts who can assist you in local journals or from online local websites with classified adverts.You could also advertise yourself for someone to assist you.

Tony