Gibraltar Healthcare: Hospitals, GPs and Medical Services

Gibraltar has a public healthcare system that provides free or subsidised medical care to residents. For a territory of just 34,000 people, the level of healthcare provision is impressive, centred around a modern hospital and a network of GP and specialist services. Here is everything you need to know about accessing healthcare in Gibraltar.

St Bernard's Hospital

St Bernard's Hospital is Gibraltar's main (and only) hospital. Located in the Europort area on the western side of the Rock, it opened in 2005 and replaced the old St Bernard's Hospital that had served the territory since 1815.

Facilities

• Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, open 24 hours
• Inpatient wards including medical, surgical, maternity, and paediatric
• Operating theatres for general surgery, orthopaedics, and other procedures
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Outpatient clinics for various specialties
• Radiology department with X-ray, CT scanner, MRI, and ultrasound
• Pathology and laboratory services
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy department

For procedures or specialist care not available locally, the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) arranges referrals to hospitals in the UK or Spain. This is fully funded for eligible residents.

Emergency Services

For emergencies, call 190 for an ambulance in Gibraltar (not 999 or 112, though 112 also works). The A&E department at St Bernard's handles all emergency cases. For life-threatening emergencies requiring specialist care not available in Gibraltar, patients may be airlifted to UK or Spanish hospitals.

GP Services (Primary Care Centre)

Gibraltar's primary care is delivered through the Primary Care Centre (PCC), which operates as the territory's GP service. It is located adjacent to St Bernard's Hospital in the same Europort complex.

How to Register

To access GP services in Gibraltar, you need to:

1. Be a resident of Gibraltar with a valid Gibraltar ID card, OR
2. Be registered with the Group Practice Medical Scheme (GPMS)

Registration is done at the PCC reception. You will need your Gibraltar ID card and may need to complete a registration form. Once registered, you are assigned to a GP and can book appointments.

Appointments

• Appointments are booked by phone or in person at the PCC reception.
• Same-day urgent appointments are usually available.
• Routine appointments may have a wait of a few days to a week, depending on demand.
• The PCC also operates a walk-in urgent care service for issues that need attention but are not full emergencies.

What GPs Cover

Gibraltar GPs provide standard primary care services including:

• General consultations and diagnosis
• Prescriptions
• Referrals to specialists
• Chronic disease management (diabetes, asthma, hypertension, etc.)
• Vaccinations and immunisations
• Health screenings
• Sick notes and medical certificates

Prescriptions and Pharmacy

Gibraltar has several pharmacies (chemists) across the territory. Prescriptions issued by GHA doctors can be filled at any licensed pharmacy.

Key Points

• Prescription charges: There is a flat prescription charge per item for most adults. Certain groups are exempt, including children, pensioners, and people with specific chronic conditions.
• Pharmacy hours: Most pharmacies operate standard business hours (9am to 7pm) with a rota system for evenings and weekends. A duty pharmacy is always available outside normal hours.
• Over-the-counter medicines: Common medications like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and antihistamines are available without prescription. Pharmacists can advise on minor ailments.
• Spanish pharmacies: Many Gibraltar residents also use pharmacies in La Linea, where some medications are cheaper or available without prescription that would require one in Gibraltar.

Dental Care

Dental services in Gibraltar operate differently from GP services:

• GHA dental clinic: The GHA provides a dental service, but it is primarily focused on children, emergency dental work, and certain exempt groups. Adult routine dental care is not fully covered by the public system.
• Private dentists: Most adults in Gibraltar use private dental practices. There are several across the territory offering a full range of services. Prices are generally lower than the UK but higher than Spain.
• Spanish dental clinics: Many Gibraltar residents cross to La Linea for dental work, where private dental care is significantly cheaper. A routine check-up and clean might cost 30 to 50 euros in La Linea compared to 60 to 100 pounds in Gibraltar.

Mental Health Services

Gibraltar has been expanding its mental health provision in recent years:

• GHA Mental Health Services: The GHA provides psychiatric and psychological services through referral from your GP. This includes assessment, therapy, and medication management.
• Ocean Views Mental Health Facility: Gibraltar's dedicated inpatient mental health unit, providing residential care for those who need it.
• Community mental health team: Provides outpatient support, counselling, and community-based care.
• Private therapists: Several private counsellors and therapists operate in Gibraltar for those who prefer private care or want quicker access.
• Helplines: Gibraltar has local support helplines for mental health crises, and international services like Samaritans are also accessible.

Specialist Services

The GHA provides a range of specialist outpatient clinics at St Bernard's Hospital, including:

• Cardiology
• Dermatology
• ENT (ear, nose, and throat)
• Gynaecology and obstetrics
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopaedics
• Paediatrics
• Urology

Some specialists visit from the UK on a rotating basis rather than being permanently based in Gibraltar. Your GP refers you to the appropriate specialist, and wait times vary depending on the specialty and urgency.

For highly specialist procedures (complex cardiac surgery, organ transplants, advanced cancer treatment), the GHA funds treatment at partner hospitals in the UK, primarily in London. Travel and accommodation costs for the patient and an accompanying person are covered.

Maternity Services

St Bernard's Hospital has a dedicated maternity unit providing:

• Antenatal care and check-ups
• Delivery suite with midwifery care
• Postnatal care
• Neonatal support

For high-risk pregnancies or complications requiring specialist neonatal intensive care, patients may be transferred to hospitals in the UK or Spain.

Healthcare for Visitors and Tourists

If you are visiting Gibraltar and need medical attention:

• Emergency care: The A&E department will treat anyone in an emergency regardless of residency status.
• UK nationals: British citizens can access GHA services, though the arrangements depend on residency status and any reciprocal healthcare agreements in effect.
• EU nationals: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) situation with Gibraltar is complex due to Brexit. Check current arrangements before travelling.
• Travel insurance: Strongly recommended for all visitors. Private healthcare in Gibraltar is expensive if you are not covered by the public system.

Healthcare for Frontier Workers

If you work in Gibraltar but live in Spain (a frontier worker), your healthcare situation has specific rules:

• You pay into Gibraltar's social insurance system through your employment.
• You may be entitled to certain GHA services related to your employment.
• For day-to-day healthcare, many frontier workers use the Spanish public health system (as residents of Spain).
• The specifics depend on your individual circumstances and the current bilateral arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain.
• Consult the Department of Social Security in Gibraltar for your specific entitlements.

Useful Contact Numbers

• Emergency (ambulance): 190
• St Bernard's Hospital switchboard: +350 20072266
• Primary Care Centre: +350 20072266 (same switchboard, ask for PCC)
• GHA general enquiries: +350 20072266
• Duty pharmacy information: Check the Gibraltar Chronicle or GHA website for the current rota

The Bottom Line

Gibraltar's healthcare system punches above its weight for a territory of its size. St Bernard's Hospital is modern and well-equipped, GP access is straightforward, and the safety net of UK hospital referrals for complex cases means residents are not limited by Gibraltar's small scale. The system is not perfect. Wait times for some specialist appointments can be long, and adult dental care is mostly private. But for a territory of 34,000 people, having a fully functioning hospital, 24-hour emergency care, and funded overseas treatment is a healthcare provision that many similarly sized communities around the world would envy.