A British couple’s dream 50th wedding anniversary trip turned into a nightmare when Pamela Gatehouse, 69, suffered a horrific medical emergency in Thailand, leaving them stranded with mounting hospital bills exceeding £75,000.
Pamela and her husband John Gatehouse, 71, from Carshalton, Surrey, had originally planned to celebrate their milestone anniversary in Bangkok after traveling from India. However, their plans were abruptly derailed when Pamela’s tonsillitis worsened into a severe secondary infection, causing a large wound on her neck to burst unexpectedly.
Medical Crisis: A Life-Threatening Infection
The couple initially sought treatment in India, where Pamela was prescribed medication. But upon reaching Thailand, her condition took a turn for the worse. According to John, the infection suddenly erupted, leaving their hotel room covered in pus and blood. Pamela was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Pattaya on February 11, a day after her birthday.
Doctors conducted CT and X-ray scans, revealing an open wound stretching from her chest to her shoulder. The severity of her condition required urgent medical intervention, and she has since undergone four surgeries to remove dead tissue, along with ongoing vacuum therapy to accelerate healing.
So far, the cost of her medical treatments has exceeded £15,300, which John has paid using their credit cards. However, Pamela requires four additional vacuum treatments, each costing £4,500 upfront, pushing their expected medical expenses to £33,300.
Soaring Costs and a Desperate Fight for Survival
The couple’s biggest concern now is the cost of returning home. A commercial flight with a stretcher would cost £42,500, while a private air ambulance is priced at an astonishing £140,000.
Even with the lowest-cost option, the total financial burden—including medical treatments and repatriation—stands at a staggering £75,800. If they are forced to opt for a private air ambulance, the overall cost could skyrocket to £173,300.
John described their ordeal as a constant “waiting game”, as his wife also suffers from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which adds complications to her recovery. Additionally, Pamela has O-negative blood, a rare type in Thailand, which could pose a major issue if she requires a transfusion.
Insurance Nightmare Leaves Couple Stranded
Despite having two travel insurance policies, the couple discovered they were not covered after moving from India to Thailand. The insurers cited a technicality in their coverage, stating that because they initially traveled to India, their policy did not extend to Thailand.
John expressed deep regret over the insurance oversight, admitting that they had misunderstood the policy terms. Now, they are relying on fundraisers and family support to pay for Pamela’s treatment.
Back in the UK, their daughter Claire, 45, is leading efforts to raise money to bring her mother home. Claire’s birthday on February 11 was the same day her mother was admitted to the hospital, making the situation even more heartbreaking.
Facing Uncertainty in a Foreign Hospital
John remains by Pamela’s side every day from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but he fears that without continued payment, the hospital may refuse further treatment.
“Hospitals in Thailand have two pricing tiers—one for locals and one for tourists. They assume tourists are wealthy,” John explained, frustrated by the escalating costs.
The British embassy in Thailand has been contacted for assistance, but their advice was to seek financial help from friends and family.
A Call for Support
The couple had originally planned to return to India on February 19 to continue their trip, but now they are simply fighting to get home safely.
With no financial aid from insurance, the couple is desperately seeking donations to cover Pamela’s medical bills and flight home.
For more details on this developing story, visit The Daily Mail.
