Chloe Barker, a 22-year-old civil servant from Halifax, West Yorkshire, is currently hospitalized in Prague after a fall on June 26 resulted in a fractured lower spine. The incident occurred when Barker was seated on a high bar stool and was knocked off by someone walking past, causing her to land heavily on her back.
Following the accident, Barker was taken to the hospital by ambulance. A CT scan confirmed the spinal fracture, necessitating immediate surgery. She has since undergone one spinal surgery to stabilize the injury, which involved the placement of metal screws and rods, and a bone graft from her hip. Doctors have indicated that a second operation will be required.
Barker expressed fear and pain, noting a language barrier at the hospital. She is unable to travel home on a commercial flight as she cannot sit down. Medical repatriation, which would involve transport via an ambulance or air ambulance with medical personnel, is estimated to cost between £7,000 and £10,000.
While Barker had purchased travel insurance, she was initially informed that it did not cover medical repatriation. Her friend, Sophia Andrews, initiated a fundraiser to help cover these costs. However, the insurance company has since stated they will cover the repatriation fees. Barker is expected to remain in the hospital for approximately another week, depending on her recovery. Her ability to return to work is uncertain but is not expected for at least three months, as she will be unable to drive during this period.
In a separate incident, 63-year-old Kevin Turner, from Cheshire, is facing medical bills of at least £30,000 after being hospitalized in Alicante, Spain, with a punctured lung and pneumonia. Turner had a pre-existing chest infection that he did not declare to his travel insurance provider before his trip in May. His daughters have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover his expenses and facilitate his return to the UK.