Madeira News Blog

The Diário claims that the good people of Gaula are revolting, but I would prefer to use the word rebelling, … against the excessive waiting time at their local health centre. Yesterday morning the health centre users were expressing their discontent about the fact that their doctor was not in the house, two hours after the doors had opened. Like many other health centres on Madeira, the people of Gaula find it necessary to attend before opening time, to ensure they get to the front of the queue to ensure being attended to.

Yesterday’s main headline : ‘Sacked Doctor Dismisses Flattery By The Government’. In the opinion of the former head of orthopedics “things don’t get resolved with praise”. He and others were sacked by new management in the health service, after which some retired early, and some left the public health service. Yet these doctors are now being honoured through a resolution of the council of government, praising their technical and human skills, and their commitment to their work. President Alberto João Jardim acknowledged “the exemplary manner and commitment” with which he occupied the position and stressed the “expertise and technical and human qualities that were highlighted throughout their medical careers.”  We don’t allow swearing on this blog so you will have to imagine to some extent the reaction of this one sacked doctor, who said “F*** them the flatterers”, which is about as near I could get to the spirit of what the doctor meant, as said in Portuguese, whereas in reality he told them to go and ‘sandpaper themselves’ (vai-se lixar). 

The Diário main picture yesterday shows the scene in Santo António, where a serious fire in the garage trapped residents in apartments above (see yesterday). Headlined ‘Dog And owner Avoid Tragedy In S. António – The fire in the garage of a building in the early hours of Thursday didn’t have worse consequences thanks to the alert of a dog’. Tobias, a rather scruffy looking water-dog who lived in a nearby house to the block of apartments, started barking repeatedly at 3am in the morning, eventually attracting attention. “I went to the balcony to see what was happening, and it was then I saw the smoke coming out of the garage” said the owner of the dog. The alarm was raised, with neighbours coming out to help, and by about 3.15am when the fire brigade arrived, the evacuation was well underway. Nearly 30 firemen attended in 10 trucks. Four vehicles were burnt out in the garage fire, which filled the building evacuation route with thick toxic smoke. 3 ambulances also attended, but all went away empty thanks to that dog and what followed with local heroes and firemen. Well done Tobias … if you were in America, you would be a rich film star in a few months time. There is a picture here of our hero :

http://www.dnoticias.pt/diario/fotos/080509/dn0401020802.jpg

‘Judicial Police Catch Four Foreigners In Two days With Drugs’. The day before it was 6,000 doses of heroin from Africans, and now another 12,000 doses nabbed by the PJ before hitting our streets. The latest two arrests, men of 41 and 66, are now in custody having already been in front of the judge. Good work lads. I suppose it is something we will see more of as the recession bites, as these sick idiots try to cash in on peoples misery, leaving us with a long term legacy of drug addiction and the associated problems. Personally, rather than prison, I would like to see them taken up to Cabo Girão for a high speed look at the view below.

‘Rubbish Out Of The Street Bin Leads To 25 Fines Every Month’. Funchal Council is said to be “unforgiving” when it comes to garbage left out on the road. Henrique Costa Neves from CMF explained that there are two types of behaviour that the council act on frequently. In one case, residents leave the bags of rubbish outside the container when it there for their use. “It is left to the mercy of the dogs and cats” who rummage in the garbage and spill it on the road making it “a risk to public health.” The second, “more serious” offence in his view, is the abandonment of rubbish on public roads. The amount of fines paid by the offenders is high. It varies from €50 to €500 depending on the severity of the deed. How do they know who it belongs to you may ask : they go through the rubbish looking for evidence that can identify the offender, usually to detect correspondence that has been thrown out.  That gives me a thought … if I nick my nasty neighbours post and keep putting it in bags of rubbish in the street, perhaps they will eventually take him away as well.

The socialists of Madeira are due to meet with the competition authority in Lisbon on Monday, to discuss the issue of competition of the press of Madeira. At the centre of the discussion will be the Jornal da Madeira, practically owned by the social democrat government, and maintained with public money.

MADEIRA NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBER – 112

NATIONAL INFORMATION NUMBER – 118

MORE USEFUL NUMBERS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES ON MADEIRA

In the event of injury or illness whilst on the Madeira, it is well equipped to deal with most problems locally, and if not it is not so far to reach the main Madeira hospitals in Funchal. If the situation is serious phone 112 for all emergency situations.

‘Out Of Hours’ Emergency – Most of the larger towns have a health centre ‘Centro de Saude’ with a doctors surgery, Some have accident and emergency facilities. If you can confirm your nearest one is open and can get there, then you should try that. You have the option of an ambulance by phoning 112 if the situation is serious. This may be chargeable, depending on your circumstances. If you are in a hotel, ask at reception for help. There are also many private doctors practices on Madeira, but if you are able you should clarify the costs, and establish whether your medical insurance policy would cover these expenses. If possible take your passport, E111 (European citizens health card) or equivalent health insurance document, and/or any private health or travel insurance documents you may have. If you are resident in Madeira then you should have a state health card (Cartão de Utente, or similar). Take this, and any private medical insurance documentation. You apply for the Cartão de Utente, by taking your residency permit to the reception of your local health centre on Madeira.

Madeira Ambulance Services – If you need an ambulance, ask at your hotel reception,  or phone 112 to request one. They are normally provided by the Fire Brigade, although there are private ambulances on Madeira.

Weekday Daytime’ Emergency – If you are staying at a hotel, you can probably ask at reception to arrange a doctors appointment. Alternatively you can go to the local ‘Centro De Saude’ (Health Centre) and wait there to see a doctor. Take your passport, E111 or equivalent health insurance document, and/or any private health or travel insurance documents you may have. If you are resident on Madeira and have a Cartão de Utente, or similar, that should be all you need.

Private Medical Treatment on Madeira – Check in the phone book to find private doctors (Medicos) and large practices respectively. If possible, try and determine the basis of charging and whether you have medical insurance to cover your needs, before committing yourself to treatment. You can also check the yellow pages online, using the keywords ‘médicos’ and the name of your nearest town. YELLOW PAGES

Pharmacies / Chemists (Farmácias) – Pharmacies ‘Farmácias’ are fairly plentiful on Madeira and many are open long hours and are situated in central locations. Chemists are run by well trained staff, and they might be able to offer advice on remedies for minor ailments. There is a duty roster, which means that they take turns to open late. They all display the traditional ‘green cross’ sign outside. There is a 24 hour chemist in Funchal (see below). There are too many to list here, but you can check the section in the yellow pages using the word ‘farmácia’, or search online using the same keyword and the name of your nearest town. YELLOW PAGES

Dentists – Dentists are notoriously expensive on Madeira, so travellers are well advised to ensure their teeth are in good shape before travelling, and also ensuring that they have travel or private medical insurance that
will cover them in the event of dental problems. If you are staying at a hotel it is worth asking at reception whether they have any special arrangements or can recommend a dentist. There is no choice but to go private, and you should check the costs and whether you are covered by medical insurance before committing yourself. If you have a dental emergency on a weekend or public holiday or at nightime, you will probably need to go to Funchal for treatment – telephone 291 207676 for further information. You can find dentists through the yellow pages telephone phone book or online using the keyword ‘dentista’ and your nearest large town, but prices may well be higher for foreigners in an emergency, especially where there might be thought to be private travel or medical insurance covering the cost. YELLOW PAGES

OTHER EMERGENCIES

Madeira Fire Brigade – Known as the ‘Corpo de Bombeiros’, the fire brigade are situated near most major towns. In the event of fire or other serious emergency phone 112 to get assistance or report an incident. Or you can select a number from the list below. You are more likely to find English spoken on the emergency number.

Madeira Coast Guard – ‘Guarda de Litoral’. Phone 112 to get assistance or report an incident, or 291 230 112.

Madeira Police – In an emergency you can phone 112. Most major towns have a police station or police presence throughout the day and night. If the situation is not an emergency, then you can phone 291 208 400 for advice, or ring or visit your local police station (see the contact list below)

Via Rápida (Motorway) breakdown – If you breakdown on the motorway phone 800 290 290 for assistance. There are plenty of cameras along the busiest sections, so you may find help is on the way before requesting it. Be aware that mobile phones may not work inside the tunnels. In the event of a fire in a tunnel, keep well away, outside if possible, as there may be toxic fumes.

Madeira Airport – Phone 291 524 941 for advice if your problem is concerns Madeira Airport.

International Red Cross – Telephone 291 741 115.

British Consulate, Funchal – The British Consulate can assist with the following problems, other consulates and embassies may have different arrangements.
- Issue emergency passports.
- Contact relatives and friends and ask them to help you with money or tickets.
- Tell you how to transfer money. In an emergency, cash you a sterling cheque worth up to £100 if supported by a valid banker’s card.
- As a last resort, in exceptional circumstances, and as long as you meet certain strict rules, give you a loan to get you back to the UK, but only if there is no-one else who can help you.
- Help you get in touch with local lawyers, interpreters and doctors.
- Arrange for next of kin to be told of an accident or a death and advise on procedures.
- Visit you if you have been arrested or put in prison, and arrange for messages to be sent to relatives and friends.
- Put you in touch with organisations who help trace missing persons.
- Speak to the local authorities on your behalf.
The British Consulate is based in Avenida Zarco in Funchal, the daytime telephone number is 00351 291212860. It is only open Monday to Friday 9.30am to midday, but in emergencies only, British Citizens can phone 00351 962720557. Fax number : 00351 291212869

Other Consulates / Embassies :
Austria : Tel (00351) 291 206 100
Belgium : Tel (00351) 291 210 200
Brazil : Tel (00351) 291 227 250
France : Tel (00351) 291 200 750
Germany : Tel (00351) 291 220 338
Holland : Tel (00351) 291 703 803
Italy : Tel (00351) 291 223 890
Norway : Tel (00351) 291 741 515
South Africa : Tel (00351) 291 223 521
Sweden : Tel (00351) 291 233 603
USA  : Tel (00351) 291 235 636

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR POLICE, FIRE BRIGADE, HOSPITALS, CLINICS, & 24 HOUR PHARMACY NUMBER – These are provided on a best endeavours basis

FUNCHAL
FIRE BRIGADE
Avenida Calouste Gulbenkian Ed. 2000, 9000-011 tel: 291 211 014
Rua Matadouro 1, 9050-100 tel: 291 223 056
POLICE (tel : 291 208 400) Rua Francisco Franco, 9000-083 tel: 291 220 800
Rua São João Deus 7, 9000-028 tel: 291 281 230
Rua Infância 28, 9050-039 tel: 291 241 422
HOSPITALS & CLINICS / HEALTH CENTRES.
Hospital Cruz de Carvalho (Central) 57 Avenida Luís Camões, 9000-168 tel: 291 705 600
Hospitais dos Marmeleiros Estrada Marmeleiros, Monte, 9050 tel: 291 705 730
Hospital Doutor João  Almada Quinta Santa, Monte, 9050 tel: 291 780 300 / 291 705 700
Clínica Santa Luzia (24 Hour Service) Rua Torrinha 5, 9054-516 tel: 291 200 000
Clínica Estrada Monumental Centro Monumental Lido tel: 291 771 020
Clínica Rua Pombal 31-Bloco A, 9050-075 tel: 291 755 300
Clínica R Latino Coelho 60,2º-A, 9060-155 tel: 291 204 480
CHEMIST – 24 HOUR
Estrada Monumental 456 tel: 291 776 860

CÂMARA DE LOBOS
FIRE BRIGADE – Rua Carreira 11, 9300-039 tel: 291 911 444
7A, Casas Próximas Curral das Freiras 9030-040 tel: 291 712 533
POLICE – Rua Padre Pita Ferreira, 9300-117 tel: 291 911 040
Rua Doutor João A Ornelas , Estreito C de Lobos 9325-032 ESTREITO tel: 291 948 024
Quinta Grande, 9300 tel: 291 940 666
CLINIC – 9325 Estreito Câmara de Lobos tel: 291 948 151

SANTANA
POLICE – Achada Pampilhar Santana, 9230-083 tel: 291 572 403

SÃO VICENTE
POLICE – Passo Vicente, 9240-217 tel: 291 846 229

CALHETA
FIRE BRIGADE – 9370-133 Calheta tel: 291 827 204
Ladeira Lamaceiros 9370 Arco Da Calheta tel: 291 827 334
POLICE – Vila Calheta, 9370-133 tel: 291 822 422
CLINIC – St da Estrela, Calheta, 9370-111 tel: 291 823 456

MACHICO
POLICE – Vila Machico, 9200 tel: 291 965 574

PONTA DO SOL
POLICE – Rua Padre Leão Henriques, 9360-216 tel: 291 972 223
CLINIC – Vila Ponta do Sol, 9360-217 tel: 291 972 291

PORTO MONIZ
POLICE – Estrada Regional, 9270 tel: 291 853 361
CLINIC – Rua Dr João de Françacosme tel 291 850 170/ 291 853 204

RIBEIRA BRAVA
FIRE BRIGADE – Ponta de Vermelha, 9350 tel: 291 952 114 & 291 952 281
POLICE – Muro, 9350-212 tel: 291 952 159
CLINIC – Largo 1º Maio, 9350-128 tel: 291 957 300

SANTA CRUZ
POLICE Praça Doutor João A Freitas, 9100-157 tel: 291 524 767
Rua Camélias , Camacha, 9135-200 tel: 291 922 530

PORTO SANTO
FIRE BRIGADE – R D. Berta M T Aguiar, 9400-154 tel: 291 982 115
POLICE – Lombas Porto St 9400-065 tel: 291 982 615
Esquadra da Cidade Matas tel: 291 982 423
CLINIC – Rua Dr José Diamantino Lima tel: 291 980 060

DISCLAIMER – THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, AND IS PROVIDED FOR BRIEF GUIDANCE ONLY, ON A BEST ENDEAVORS BASIS.

NO RESPONSIBILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION SHOWN HERE, AND YOU SHOULD SEEK INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION OR PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE. THIS PAGE WAS LAST UPDATED IN 2008.

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