A Nova Scotia man, Murray Balser, found himself stuck abroad after suffering a medical emergency while on vacation in Cuba. Due to a lack of available beds in Nova Scotia, Balser had to stay in a Cuban hospital for a week and a half after breaking his hip on a boating excursion. His family, who thought they were covered by insurance, were shocked to learn that he couldn’t be admitted back home due to the capacity issues. Balser was left in excruciating pain in the Cuban hospital with limited pain medication, until finally, a bed became available in Halifax. However, due to bad weather, his medical evacuation flight was rerouted to Miami, where he underwent surgery to fuse his femur to his hip with a rod.
The delay in care has resulted in Balser developing a blood clot, adding further complications to his already serious injury. His family is deeply concerned about what this means for his recovery and overall health. Balser’s sister-in-law, Tammy Fader, plans to travel to Miami to check on his condition and offer support to her sister, who is struggling to cope with the situation. As Balser’s bed in Halifax has since been given away, it is uncertain when the couple will be able to return home. Fader expressed the family’s desire to have Balser back in Nova Scotia, where they can ensure he receives the best care possible.
Nova Scotia Health spokesperson, Brendan Elliott, explained that hospital bed capacity is constantly changing, and patients are admitted based on their needs and the availability of suitable beds. When patients are admitted from out of country, they are supposed to be placed in private rooms to prevent the spread of travel-related illnesses. However, the availability of private rooms in the patient’s home area can impact the time it takes to transfer them. Balser’s case is not the first of its kind, as other Canadians have also found themselves stranded abroad due to a lack of available hospital beds in their home provinces.
Fader expressed the family’s gratitude that Balser is receiving care in Miami, but also their worry about his future mobility and ability to work as a result of his injury. She cautioned others to consider the financial implications of returning home from a vacation with a medical emergency, urging people to think twice before embarking on international trips without proper preparation. The family is anxiously awaiting Balser’s return to Nova Scotia, hoping for a smooth transition back home and a successful recovery for him. The situation highlights the importance of proper travel insurance coverage and consideration for potential medical emergencies while abroad.
