In a remarkable story of recovery, 80-year-old Carol Wallen from Melbourne celebrated her birthday in Fiji, but faced a health crisis while at the Sheraton Fiji Resort in December 2023. After experiencing complications, she was transferred from a local clinic to Nadi Hospital, where her condition worsened significantly.
In a desperate search for better medical care, her son Darren found Pacific Specialists Healthcare (PSH) in Nadi and arranged for her transfer there. Unfortunately, Mrs. Wallen suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest, with her heart stopping for approximately ten minutes. However, the swift actions of the medical staff, led by Dr. Ratu Vereniki Raiwalui, were crucial in reviving her.
Mrs. Wallen expressed her gratitude for the care she received, stating that the team was “marvelous” and contributing significantly to her recovery. She is already looking forward to returning to Fiji for another holiday once she fully recovers.
PSH’s managing director, Parvish Kumar, emphasized the importance of partnerships between hotels and hospitals to enhance medical assistance for tourists. Darren Wallen echoed these sentiments, sharing that the treatment his mother received at PSH was comparable to, if not better than, that of Australian hospitals.
Dr. Raiwalui noted that Mrs. Wallen was initially in critical condition but showed significant improvement thanks to the intensive care and support provided. Just days after being off life support, she was able to be wheeled outside the hospital, visibly smiling.
Ultimately, Mrs. Wallen and her son were flown back to Australia on a Medivac flight, accompanied by an Intensive Care team. Mr. Kumar underscored the importance of having a medical facility like PSH ready to serve the needs of both locals and tourists, positioning it as a key support for the tourism sector in Fiji.
This story highlights not only the resilience of the human spirit in the face of medical emergencies but also the critical role healthcare facilities play in ensuring the well-being of travelers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of having access to quality healthcare, especially in popular tourist destinations. As the tourism industry continues to recover, collaborations between healthcare providers and hospitality businesses will be paramount in providing safety and reassurance to visitors.
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