The background

A female patient working on board a cruise ship in the Mediterranean was referred by the cruise line’s medical team, as the patient presented with symptoms suggestive of an upper gastrointestinal bleed, including melena and epigastric pain.

The patient was medically disembarked to a hospital in Malta for inpatient investigations and care. An endoscopy revealed gastritis but with no evidence of ulcers and she was discharged to a hotel with gastroprotection medication and deemed fit to work and fly. After her discharge, the plan was to observe her in a hotel for a minimum of 48 hours, but the patient experienced acute and severe abdominal pain and contacted the Med ResQ medical team for medical assistance. 

Med ResQ’s approach

  • Hospital transfer: The Med ResQ medical team coordinated a transfer back to hospital for a clinical evaluation, and following a suspicion of Gallstones, an ultrasound scan was performed which revealed a 9mm stone, and the patient was subsequently readmitted for further management.
  • Surgery and post-op: The patient underwent an emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy. After her surgery, the Med ResQ medical team monitored for signs of complications with on-the-ground support from the appointed port agent, and once the Med ResQ medical team was satisfied with her condition, her flights home were arranged.
  • After care:  Follow up support and monitoring was provided in her home country until the point of maximum improvement was reached, and the MedResQ Claims medical team completed a telephone assessment and arranged for a routine post-operative assessment in a private hospital. The patient had an uncomplicated review, and no further follow-up was needed.

Key benefits of our approach

Reduced need for prolonged admission

The telephone triage and proactive management by the Med ResQ medical team resulted in quicker reassessment, surgery, and discharge and helped to prevent complications, prolonged admission, and increased costs.

Prevented in-flight complications

Monitoring the patient for stability before travel helped avoid potential medical complications and deterioration during a long-haul flight, which could have necessitated an aircraft diversion.

Ultimate care of the patient

Every precaution was taken with the singular aim of safeguarding the individual’s health and comfort.