Healthcare
The slower pace of life in Spain is said to be beneficial to ones health as is the good air quality, which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is one of the best in Europe. Spanish medical services are excellent. A recent WHO survey into the quality of health care ranked Spain as 8th in the world and the UK as 18th. British citizens of retirement age can generally join the Spanish National Health Scheme for free (form G121), however, each individual is assessed by the DHSS and qualification depends on previous UK national health payments.
If you don't qualify for health care under the public health care system, it's essential to get private medical insurance. Indeed private medical health insurance will also allow you to circumvent any waiting lists and is therefore highly recommended.
English-speaking Spanish and foreign doctors tend to be more prolific around the resort areas and doctors in Spain are allowed to advertise their services. The names and telephone numbers of doctors are usually listed in local English-language newspapers and can also be found on the internet.
Dentists
Dentists in Spain are private, so you pay for all treatment received. To find a dentist, try the yellow pages under 'dentistas'.
Chemists
Chemists/pharmacies in Spain are called 'farmacias' and can be identified by the large green cross sign outside - see local press for the nearest duty farmacia (a rota system is in operation so there should always be one open).
NOTE: if you take regular prescribed medication in your home country, bring a translation of your prescription to Spain. The full name of the medicine should be written out (NOT its brand name); in case this is not available.