Italian Phrases: At the Hospital

Dov'è il pronto soccorso?

Where is the emergency room / A&E?

Ask this when arriving at a hospital without knowing the layout. Also useful to ask passers-by near a hospital.

Devo fare il triage.

I need to do triage / be triaged.

Say this when you arrive at the pronto soccorso — the triage nurse will assess your urgency code.

Devo essere ricoverato?

Do I need to be admitted to hospital?

Ask the doctor after examination in A&E. Important for planning — contacting family, work, accommodation.

Quando posso tornare a casa?

When can I go home?

Ask the doctor during a hospital stay. Also ask about the discharge process and what paperwork you will receive.

Ho bisogno di un interprete. Non parlo bene italiano.

I need an interpreter. I do not speak Italian well.

Request this at hospital reception, triage, or with any doctor. Large Italian hospitals have interpreter services.

Ho la tessera sanitaria europea.

I have the European Health Insurance Card.

Present your EHIC at registration in Italian public hospitals or healthcare facilities. It entitles EU/EEA citizens to healthcare at the same cost as Italian citizens.

Dov'è la sala di attesa?

Where is the waiting room?

Ask when you need to wait for test results, to see a doctor, or while accompanying a patient.

Ho molto dolore. Posso avere qualcosa per il dolore?

I am in a lot of pain. Can I have something for the pain?

Ask the nurse or doctor during hospital treatment. Pain management is a patient right in Italian hospitals.

Posso usare il telefono per chiamare un familiare?

Can I use the phone to call a family member?

Ask when admitted unexpectedly or when your phone battery is dead. Italian hospitals allow personal calls.

Cosa dicono gli esami del sangue?

What do the blood tests show?

Ask the doctor after blood tests are taken. You have the right to know your results.

Devo firmare un consenso informato?

Do I need to sign an informed consent?

Ask before any procedure, surgery, or significant treatment. Informed consent is mandatory in Italian medicine.

Dove sono i bagni?

Where are the toilets?

Ask any nurse, orderly, or hospital staff member. A basic but essential question during a hospital visit.

A che ora viene il medico?

What time does the doctor come?

Ask the nurse about the ward round schedule. Important for knowing when you can speak with the treating doctor.

Ho bisogno di un infermiere.

I need a nurse.

Press the call button or say this to any staff member. Never hesitate to ask for nursing assistance.

Sono vegetariano. Posso avere un pasto alternativo?

I am vegetarian. Can I have an alternative meal?

Inform the hospital catering service of dietary requirements when admitted. Italian hospitals ask about dietary needs at admission.

Ho bisogno delle mie medicine personali.

I need my personal medications.

Tell the nurse if you take regular medications that the hospital has not accounted for. Always bring your medication list when admitted.

Voglio tornare a casa. Posso firmare per le dimissioni volontarie?

I want to go home. Can I sign for voluntary discharge?

If you want to leave hospital against medical advice. You have the legal right to do so — but understand the risks first.

Dove si paga il ticket?

Where do I pay the co-payment?

Ask where to pay after receiving care at a public hospital or clinic. Some payments happen before tests, some after.

Posso ricevere visite dai miei familiari?

Can I receive visits from my family?

Ask the nurse about visiting hours and rules when admitted to hospital.

Avete un modulo per le disposizioni anticipate?

Do you have a form for advance directives?

If you want to complete an advance directive (living will) during your hospital stay. Particularly relevant for serious diagnoses.

Ho diritto alla riservatezza delle mie informazioni.

I have the right to privacy of my information.

Assert your right to medical confidentiality if your information is being shared without consent, or when asking about privacy practices.

Sto molto meglio, grazie alle cure.

I am much better, thanks to the care.

Express that you are improving to the doctor or nurse. Positive feedback that helps them assess treatment effectiveness.

Cosa devo fare dopo le dimissioni?

What do I need to do after discharge?

Ask the doctor or nurse before leaving the hospital. Critical for understanding follow-up care.

Posso stare vicino al mio familiare durante la visita?

Can I stay with my family member during the visit?

Ask the doctor or nurse when accompanying a family member. Many Italian patients prefer to have a relative present during consultations.

Devo subire un'operazione.

I need to undergo an operation.

Describe your medical situation when surgery has been recommended. Start the informed consent process.

Ho bisogno di fisioterapia dopo l'operazione.

I need physiotherapy after the operation.

Request physiotherapy as part of recovery planning. Ask the surgeon or ward doctor to include it in your treatment plan.

Grazie per le cure e per l'assistenza.

Thank you for the care and assistance.

Say this when leaving the hospital or to nursing staff during your stay. Always appreciated and appropriate.