Phuket crash survivors so happy to be home in Bridgetown
TWO Bridgetown families involved in a traumatic traffic accident in Phuket, in which a young Australian honeymooner was killed, have paid tribute to the Thai hospital staff who cared for them.
Ten days after returning home, both families said they are pleased to be home from Phuket.
But Margaret Korver said the hospital staff were brilliant. “They were so attentive,” she said.
“When we arrived at the hospital the staff were waiting for us.
“I remember I was running around after everyone, try to make sure every one was all right. Eventually one of the staff stopped me and made me sit down, so that the doctor could check me out.
“Most of us were OK so they decided to discharge us, except for Dannet, who had a badly injured arm.
“But then, just as we were about to leave the hospital, Tyler started vomiting so they kept him in as well.”
Ms Korver added:“As we left, the doctor gave us some medicines which helped our recovery considerably, other than the bruises and cuts we had suffered. Considering the magnitude of the crash, I think we have all recovered remarkably well and I am so grateful that my children were not badly hurt or worse.”
Ms Roberts said she too found the hospital care was amazing.
“We all had CT scans from head to toe to find any injuries to our bodies.
“I was happy that rest of my family and my friends were OK, even though the top of my right arm was badly broken.
“All the time I was in the hospital I couldn’t fault the nurses or the doctors, they were so good and the hospital is one of the best I have seen.
“The only problem I had was with the food, which seems to occur in many hospitals, but there the main dish was of course rice,” she said.
“The plastic surgeon was very proud of the work he did reconstructing my ear, and the other surgeon had my arm pinned and plated and moving again within a few days.
“My friend Margie Korver did a great job looking after all the kids while I was in hospital, at the same time dealing with her own pain and worries.
“Whilst in the hospital we had so many visitors. “The Main Roads Department and Phuket Adventures, who arranged all our trips, called in every day with baskets of fruit and flowers.
“Siam Safaris were amazing. They paid for everything, including things we had lost and all our hospital care.
“We had a visits from the Australian consul in Thailand and the consul in Phuket.
”Our travel insurance company arranged wheelchairs and extra room on the return flight which helped a lot on the journey.
“I think if I could have got down on my knees as we went through the airport gate, I am sure I would have kissed the ground.
“Then as we came back into Bridgetown I had this massive sense of relief come over me and the tears just started flowing. It was so good to be home.”
Mrs Korver said later she was amazed that the kids were all OK “and in time Danni’s bones will mend,” she said.
“However a young man died in this accident.
“He had a new wife and was somebody’s child who had a place in the world and that place is now empty.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have lost him and a sadness that goes with our good fortune.
“Aimee, his widow, was wonderful with my youngest daughter, Sarah, as they were waiting X-rays.
“In spite of her own injuries and traumatic loss she kept Sarah talking and distracted, and I am so grateful to her for that,” Ms Korver said.
“I intend to follow up on the accident to try and ensure that all future care is taken and it doesn’t happen again.”
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