In a remarkable story of medical success, Carol Wallen, an 80-year-old from Melbourne, Australia, arrived in Fiji in December 2023 to celebrate her milestone birthday with her son, Darren. Unfortunately, during her stay at the Sheraton Fiji Resort on Denarau Island, she faced serious health complications that necessitated her transfer from a local clinic to Nadi Hospital.
As her condition worsened, Darren sought alternative care and arranged for his mother to be transferred to Pacific Specialists Healthcare (PSH) in Nadi. Upon arrival at PSH, Mrs. Wallen experienced a cardiopulmonary arrest, her heart stopping for approximately ten minutes. Thanks to the swift and expert actions of the hospital’s medical team, led by Consultant Anaesthesia and Intensivist Dr. Ratu Vereniki Raiwalui, she was successfully resuscitated and given multi-organ support.
Mrs. Wallen praised the medical team at PSH for their exceptional care, declaring her recovery “amazing.” With a hopeful outlook, she mentioned her intention to return to Fiji for another holiday once fully recovered. Her son, Darren, echoed his gratitude, stating he would recommend PSH to friends and family, noting that the treatment she received was comparable, if not superior, to that available in Australian hospitals.
Dr. Raiwalui detailed Mrs. Wallen’s critical condition upon arrival and the intensive care she received, which led to her significant recovery. Just days after being taken off life support, she was able to sit up in a wheelchair, joyfully enjoying the outdoors once more.
Following her recovery, Mrs. Wallen and Darren were transported back to Australia on a Medivac flight with an Intensive Care team from Rescue Services in Brisbane. PSH managing director Parvish Kumar emphasized the need for collaboration between hotels and healthcare providers to ensure the highest standard of medical care for guests facing health emergencies while traveling.
This inspiring story not only highlights the excellent healthcare services at PSH but also underscores the importance of accessible medical support for tourists. It reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that visitors in need of urgent care can receive prompt and effective treatment, contributing positively to Fiji’s reputation as a safe and hospitable destination.
In conclusion, the resilience of Mrs. Wallen and the dedicated response from the healthcare professionals involved showcase the extraordinary measures taken to save lives and improve patient outcomes, fostering hope and capability in medical tourism.
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