A BRITISH dad has died after being struck down with salmonella while on a luxury family holiday in the Canary Islands.
Leslie Green had chosen the luxurious Occidental Jandia Playa resort in Fuerteventura for his 70th birthday trip, seeking to relax and enjoy the sunny weather.
Unfortunately, his vacation took a sudden turn for the worse when he contracted salmonella in the middle of his £2,300 holiday, leading to his hospitalization in Spain as his health deteriorated.
The grandfather-of-one then developed complications, including sepsis and kidney failure, and died in hospital around four weeks later.
Leslie’s wife of 38 years, Julie, was also left seriously ill after she too got salmonella and spent a week in hospital.
She fell poorly a week after the start of her husband’s illness – on the day of her 60th birthday.
Julie, of Little Lever, Bolton, has now instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers to investigate.
She said the couple had concerns a carbonara sauce they ate one day was lukewarm while she found her chicken undercooked during another meal.
She also revealed she didn’t see any staff washing their hands and newly cooked food would be mixed with food that had been stood.
Julie, a retired NHS assistant nurse and Leslie’s partner, expressed her disbelief at how their celebratory trip – planned for her 60th and Leslie’s 70th birthdays – ended up being marred by illness.
“During the second week of the holiday, Leslie became ill and got progressively worse.
“I soon knew it was serious and wasn’t just a 24-hour thing that would pass. A few days later he was in hospital and then a week later I was as well.
“I was lucky in that, while I was very poorly, I wasn’t as bad as Leslie. Seeing him in hospital in those last few days was awful.
“He looked so frail, and I felt so helpless as I couldn’t do anything for him.
“Saying goodbye to Leslie and seeing his life slip away is something I don’t think I’ll get over.”
Julie continued: “Leslie was one of the good guys. He was a kind and gentle man who adored his family and enjoyed keeping fish, playing darts and pool, and supporting his football team, Bury FC.
“I still can’t comprehend how we went on holiday together, but Leslie never came home. If it wasn’t for the pain I wake with daily, it almost wouldn’t seem real.
“Leslie and I had so many plans for our retirement, but I feel cheated that these have been taken away from us in the cruellest way.
“The least I deserve is answers.”
Leslie and Julie, who have two daughters and one grandchild, arrived at Occidental Jandia Playa on October 1 last year.
Leslie fell ill on October 9 with symptoms including diarrhoea, which led to dehydration.
He was seen by the in-resort doctor on October 12 and taken by ambulance to the local clinic to be given fluids, but he was admitted to hospital the following day.
‘CRUEL LOSS’
Leslie, who tested positive for salmonella, suffered complications including kidney failure, pneumonia and sepsis – where the body attacks itself in response to an infection.
He was placed into an induced coma, yet he continued to deteriorate, and doctors said they could do nothing further for him.
Leslie died hours after his life-support machine was switched off on November 4.
His body was repatriated a week later. A post-mortem examination was carried out on November 18, the results of which are awaited.
Julie, who had remained in Fuerteventura at the end of her holiday to be at her husband’s bedside was discharged from hospital on October 24.
Following her return home, Julie was still affected by bowel related issues.
The couple’s daughter, Becci, 35, flew out to support her parents and to be at her dad’s bedside when his life-support machine was switched off.
Their eldest daughter, Sarah, 38, who is in end stage kidney failure, had recently been discharged from intensive care so was not medically fit to fly.
What is Salmonella?
SALMONELLA is an infection in the gut. It is a type of food poisoning.
What causes it?
Salmonella is usually contracted when you eat contaminated food or drinks such as raw (unpasteurised) milk or eggs, uncooked meats – especially poultry.
It has also been found in a wide range of foods and products such as chocolate, cooked meats, baby milk, and salads.
What are the symptoms?
- Diarrhoea
- Tummy pain
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- General tiredness
What to do if you have it?
Usually, you won’t need treatment. Just drink plenty of water.
Symptoms take between 12 and 72 hours to develop.
It may take up to two weeks to clear up, but if symptoms become severe, call your GP.
Salmonella isn’t usually life threatening.
How do you prevent it?
- Wash your hands before and after cooking
- Prepare your food carefully (on clean surfaces, using clean equiptment)
- Cook your food properly
- Avoid ‘raw’ dairy products
- Avoid drinking river water
Another British woman who fell ill while staying at the resort around the same time as Leslie and Julie has also asked lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate after she was diagnosed with salmonella.
Jennifer Hodgson, the expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Julie, said: “This is an extremely worrying case with the first-hand accounts we’ve heard from our clients who stayed at the resort at the same time being very similar.
“The impact of salmonella and other gastric illnesses should never be downplayed.
“They can result in serious complications leading to serious injury and sadly death, as Leslie’s case tragically highlights.
“While nothing can make up for what’s happened, we’re now investigating our client’s concerns and are determined to provide them with not only the answers they deserve, but access to specialist rehabilitation and support.”
