The following are excerpts from select DHI patient files.  To safeguard privacy, names have been altered. 

These accounts are based on true facts and may contain distressing details.

Doctor Sends Home Patient with 24hrs to Live!

John C. - aged 57 from Hull, UK

John's visit to his GP signalled trouble; he could barely walk without needing a break, experiencing shortness of breath and gasping for air. Despite recognizing the severity, his GP could only recommend seeing a heart specialist, with the earliest appointment three months away. Disheartened, John returned home, unsure of what to do next. 

Feeling desperate, John reached out to DHI, where an advisor quickly identified the urgency of his situation. Sensing the gravity of John's symptoms, the advisor escalated the matter to a senior patient liaison officer. Understanding John's distress, the officer advised immediate travel to Belgium, arranging for a ferry journey to avoid the risks associated with air travel.

Despite his apprehension about traveling alone and being separated from his wife for the first time in decades, John embarked on the journey. Upon arrival the next morning, a DHI driver escorted him to the partner cardiac unit, where he arrived at 10:45 am.

The attending cardiologist immediately recognized the critical nature of John's condition, estimating a lifespan of only 2 to 48 hours. Rushed to the cardiac catheterization lab, John underwent angioplasty and stent placement to clear a blockage in his main heart artery. Astonishingly, within two hours, John was sitting comfortably in bed, watching a football match on TV.

Meanwhile, the DHI team was taking a lunch break at café near their office, updates on John's condition were relayed to the senior patient liaison officer.

John's wife, anxious for news, called the DHI team for updates.

The team were able to pass on the news of John's successful procedure. His wife's on hearing the news broke down in tears of relief upon learning of her husband's successful procedure.

Moved by the experience, the DHI team at the restaurant realized the profound impact of their actions in saving John's life. 

To this day, John and his wife generously offer their holiday home in Spain to any DHI staff in need of respite, a testament to the gratitude they feel for the lifesaving intervention provided by DHI.

John’s angiogram showing the main Artery carrying blood from the heart, with over 95% blockage. Life expectancy with such a severe obstruction is 2 – 48 hours.

Shocking! Court Judge Sends Person for Assessment to DHI!

Jane S. - aged 44  from Eastbourne, UK

Jane was riding her bicycle when she was hit by a speeding motorist at 70 mph launching her into the air and causing significant injuries upon impact with the ground.  Rushed to the hospital by ambulance, Jane underwent X-ray examinations revealing a broken collarbone and ribs.

Months later, Jane found herself in court pursuing a claim against the driver for damages, seeking compensation from the insurance company.

To ensure accuracy in assessment, the judge sought a second opinion, leading Jane to undergo evaluation at DHI.

Upon arriving in Belgium, Jane was directed to one of our premier partner facilities, where a series of advanced scans and X-rays uncovered not only her previously diagnosed injuries but also a broken neck and elbow. Armed with these findings, Jane returned home.

In due time, DHI received a call from the head of diagnostics in the UK, expressing surprise at the discrepancy between their equipment's results and those from DHI's scans. Despite receiving copies of the X-rays provided by DHI, the UK equipment failed to detect the broken neck and elbow.

Belgium serves as a testing ground for cutting-edge diagnostic equipment, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, while healthcare equipment in the UK and Ireland, managed by the government, often lags behind by a decade in terms of technological advancement.

Incapacitated Wife Saved After Spending Years Living with Severe Back Pain on a Mattress in Downstairs Living Room

Margaret M. from Dulwich, South London

Rescued from years of debilitating back pain confined to a mattress in their downstairs living room, Margaret's life took a dramatic turn.

Following spine surgery gone awry, Margaret's condition worsened, leaving her in constant agony, unable to navigate stairs or walk without difficulty. Her world shrunk to the confines of their ground-floor living space, rendering her incapable of working.

Desperate for a solution, Margaret reached out to Direct Healthcare International.

Arrangements were swiftly made for Margaret and her husband to journey to Belgium for assessment by a renowned spine surgeon.

After thorough MRI scans and examinations, the surgeon faced uncertainty regarding Margaret's prognosis. 

Her condition was severe, but the surgeon proposed an unconventional approach: he wanted to try immobilizing Margaret in a full-body plaster cast from shoulders to knees for two weeks to gauge any improvement in her pain levels.

If the pain subsided then he could help her. 

This innovative solution posed logistical challenges for the DHI patient liaison officer.

The client and her partner had travelled on Eurostar the high-speed train from London to Brussels.  How to get Margaret and her husband home, now posed a problem! 

But first the patient liaison officer faced another problem! 

The surgeon requested large, loose-fitting pants for Margaret's comfort during transit. A shopping trip was needed!

The patient liaison officer took Margaret's husband shopping…  

Meanwhile, the liaison officer devised a simple yet effective plan: DHI would provide door-to-door transport, driving the couple back to their UK home with Margaret lying flat for the duration.  A door-to-door service via the Channel Tunnel. 

Two weeks later Margaret’s pains had subsided.  The liaison officer returned to the UK to accompany Margaret and her husband back home, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.

Thanks to the successful operation, Margaret now enjoys a fully functional life, free from pain, able to walk and work with ease. Her remarkable transformation stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of DHI and the pioneering surgeon.

Botched Heart Surgery - Surgeon Cuts Through Child’s Heart 

David B. & his mother from Birmingham, UK

In a tragic incident, a young boy named David, aged 11, faced the dire consequences of a botched heart surgery. Due to the surgeon's negligence while operating, David's heart valve and a portion of his heart wall were inadvertently damaged, necessitating additional surgeries to stabilize his condition. Continuous monitoring and assessment became imperative for David's ongoing care.

Following the harrowing ordeal, David's mother harboured deep mistrust toward local heart surgeons, given the egregious malpractice case that shook the country's Health Service, garnering extensive coverage in the media.

Driven by her unwavering concern for her son's well-being, David's mother sought assistance from Direct Healthcare International (DHI).

David and his mother embarked on a journey for assessment at a prestigious university-affiliated heart hospital, a valued partner of DHI.

Upon evaluation, it became evident that further intervention was crucial to repair the damage inflicted on David's delicate heart. Subsequent to the corrective procedure, David underwent regular six-month check-ups to ensure his continued recovery and well-being.

Through the collaborative efforts of DHI and the esteemed medical professionals at the university heart hospital, David received the specialized care and attention necessary to navigate through this challenging chapter of his young life.

Patient Has Heart Attack During Surgery 

Jennifer K. - aged 81 from Swansea, UK

Jennifer, a senior citizen of 81 years of age opted for a total knee replacement with Direct Healthcare International (DHI) and travelled to Belgium.

While recuperating in the state-of-the-art intensive care facility, a slight trace on the heart monitor raised concerns for the attending cardiologist. Promptly addressing the situation, Jennifer was swiftly transferred to a specialized heart hospital located just 15 minutes away. The hospital promptly informed DHI.

Upon thorough examination, it was revealed that Jennifer had experienced a mild heart attack. 

The Cardiologist commented: “Jennifer was due to have the heart attack sooner or later. Fortunately, she chose to have it in our intensive care facility, which has to be about the best place for this to happen. The trace was so slight and the attack so mild, many hospitals may not even have detected it.  

There was no damage to the heart and the patient has been treated with drugs to normalise her heart stability.”

Once Jennifer’s condition stabilized, she was transferred back to the orthopedic facility.

In a proactive response, DHI contacted Jennifer’s son in the UK, covering the expenses for his immediate travel. 

Jennifer was granted an additional week's stay for a complete recovery and to finish her physiotherapy course. 

Jennifer and her son were then flown back to the UK at DHI's expense, with no additional fees charged to the patient. 

This comprehensive and responsive approach ensured Jennifer’s well-being throughout the entire process.

Jennifer said “when I called DHI they said I could travel out in a week’s time!    I couldn’t walk so I decided to have it done, I would have waited 18 months to two years to have the surgery on the NHS.  I had to spend my life’s saving on the operation. The treatment was absolutely wonderful, everything was so clean and efficient.  The nurses had time to give you a little bit of personal care and the doctors were marvellous.  The care I had over there was brilliant, I would go back if I had the money. “

From Lack of Self-Esteem to a Superstar Model - Incredible Gastric Bypass Transformation

Maureen M. - aged 36 from Lincolnshire, UK

Maureen soared to 20 stone after having four children, so she elected to go for Gastric Bypass  surgery to help her slim.

"It had got to the stage where I felt like a freak and was losing my confidence. I knew I had to do something to change my body before it was too late."

"It has changed my life," says the delighted Gastric Bypass client "I'm going to get a bikini and I won't hesitate to wear it. And I'll have no qualms about going topless either, which is something I never thought I'd say.”

"And I will wear make-up now. Before I owned just one lipstick and a five-year-old mascara - and I can't remember the last time I used that. I didn't see the point, I thought it was like trying make a silk purse out of a sow's ear so I didn't bother.   It will be lovely to go on holiday and not be worrying about how I look.”

"Before all this I wouldn't have dreamed of showing any part of my body, now I'll have no problem with it all. I feel like a different person - the person I always knew I could be.“

"It's about so much more than looks," she says. "I feel good and that is giving me confidence. I'm 5ft 10ins, which is fairly tall, but I used to try and hide away. Now I stand up straight and walk tall because I feel brave enough to do that. If I'm in a group these days I will come forward and join in. And I no longer get mistaken for a pensioner!“

Looking down at her brand-new body again, she adds with a smile: "It really is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.”  “I feel pretty and feminine,” she grins. “It still takes a bit of getting used to!”

Wendy's Leap to Pain-Free Life with DHI

Wendy L. - aged 63 from Dorset, UK 

Wendy initiated her medical journey at the local hospital in July 2002, undergoing X-rays. Due to a three-week wait and her doctor's holiday absence, she only consulted with a specialist at another hospital in late September.

The UK consultant advised against a replacement, deeming her too young, and suggested a hip block injection.

Unsatisfied, Wendy returned to see the Consultant on November 28, securing a surgery slot in Dorset for January 20. Unfortunately, the surgeon fell ill, leading to the postponement of her NHS surgery in early January two years later.

In search of alternatives, Wendy explored options on the Internet and discovered facilities in Belgium through Direct Healthcare International Limited.

After having her queries addressed and concerns alleviated to her satisfaction, Wendy decided to proceed with Direct Healthcare International Limited in January. Accompanied by her husband, she flew to Belgium, where she met with the consultant the next day, and underwent surgery the following day.

Wendy said: “I had been suffering from restricted movement and walking was limited due to a damaged right hip. I have had no pain since the operation and now, three weeks later, I go out each day and walk with one crutch for about 20 minutes. Friends who've had the operation done in the UK can't believe the progress I'm making!”

Her husband says: “Booking through Direct Healthcare International Limited was one of the best decisions of our life”   While his wife was in the Belgian hospital, Wendy’s husband was able to stay in the modern relatives accommodation unit within the DHI Partner Hospital facility.

Mystery Fever Confounds DHI

Simon F. - aged 55 from overseas

Simon, a 55yr old engineer had returned home following knee replacement surgery in Belgium with DHI.

All was well until a few weeks later.  Simon started to experience swelling, recurrent fevers, and evening pains in the treated knee.

He contacted DHI who promptly admitted Simon to a local hospital facility.

The consultant in charge of Simons knee surgery kept in constant touch with the doctors in the local hospital facility.  The local facility monitored Simon’s condition and started an investigation into his knee swelling, pain and fevers.  This included samples taken from the swollen area and sent to their state-of-the-art lab.

The consultant in charge of Simons knee surgery kept in constant touch with the doctors in the local hospital facility.  The local facility monitored Simon’s condition and started an investigation into his knee swelling, pain and fevers.  This included samples taken from the swollen area and sent to their state-of-the-art lab.

All the investigation drew a blank, the cause of his symptoms remained elusive, presenting a puzzling medical mystery.

Direct Healthcare International (DHI) promptly intervened, facilitating Simon’s return to Belgium for further evaluation at no cost to him. Despite comprehensive assessments at our state-of-the-art partner hospital, investigations failed to identify the underlying cause of his symptoms, further confounding the consultant surgeon and high skilled hospital team.

However, a breakthrough occurred during a journey undertaken by a senior DHI patient liaison officer, who having previously met and spoken with Simon was aware of some details of Simon's background.

While on the way to visit Simon the senior DHI patient liaison officer suddenly had a pertinent thought. Upon conveying this to the DHI head office, inquiries into Simon’s military history revealed a past contraction of malaria.  This information was relayed immediately to the Consultant Surgeon.

Subsequent diagnosis confirmed that Simon’s recent surgery had triggered a recurrence of the condition. With this clarity, the hospital successfully treated Simon, leading to his eventual recovery and return home.

Notably, all hospital expenses were covered by DHI, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to comprehensive and effective healthcare solutions. Despite residing in a region known for low-cost medical procedures, Simon had chosen DHI based on their renowned reputation for excellence.

Simon said: “I was concerned, at first I thought I had picked up some kind of infection as a result of the surgery. However, the hospital is so clean I found this hard to imagine. What wonderful service I got; they were so quick to react and very thorough with their investigations, I would be very happy to return and use Direct Healthcare’s services again”

Joan's Holiday Miracle with DHI

Joan A. – aged 70 from Teignmouth, Devon, UK

Joan had endured a prolonged wait for a diagnosis before being informed of a daunting 10-month waiting period for NHS surgery. During this time, her mobility had significantly declined, making outdoor activities like walking impossible.

Following her knee replacement surgery in Belgium, Joan experienced a remarkable improvement. Merely two months post-operation, she joyfully joined her family for a walk during the Christmas season.

Joan said: “It took all our savings, but I couldn't have afforded to have had it done privately in this country.”

Joan is very pleased with the treatment she had. Her husband went with her and stayed in guest accommodation in the hospital in West Flanders where the surgery was carried out. “Everything went so smoothly,” she said. “We were picked up by car at the airport and driven to the hospital. The doctors, nurses and physiotherapist were lovely and the hospital was very clean. There was no language problem as people spoke English with us. ”

Joan was unable to get physiotherapy immediately on her return but continued with the exercises the physiotherapist in Belgium had taught her. The result was that, when she did see a Devon physiotherapist she only needed three sessions. And when she showed the consultant in Torquay her X-rays “he was most impressed”.

Woman Faced a Life-altering Event When Involved in a Collision with a JCB

Clare W. - aged 42 from Dublin, Ireland

Clare suffered from severe recurring pain following a collision with a JCB while driving.  She sought assistance through the HSE Ireland’s National Health Service.

Clare says “The Irish surgeon just wasn't interested in my pain.”

Disappointed by the lack of interest regarding her pain, she sought alternative solutions. Despite attempting acupuncture, a method successful for whiplash patients, her condition failed to improve.

As a typically healthy individual, persistent spasms began to impact her professional responsibilities.
Clare contacted Direct Healthcare International and subsequently travelled to Belgium to one of DHI’s partner hospitals specialising in orthopedic care.  The Orthopedic surgeon carried out an MRI scan and full assessment, no operation was needed and Clare was prescribed magnesium, she would make a full recovery.

Clare said: “The level of cleanliness in the hospital astounded me. I had to wait while they disinfected the whole MRI unit to prevent any infection from the previous patient.

The level of care I received was fantastic. I did not experience such care in Ireland where the medical staff discounted my pain. The Direct Healthcare International Limited patient liaison officer took care of me the whole day.”

Clare found Direct Healthcare International Limited on the Internet by typing in MRI into Google. On calling the office she said: “I got more information out of Direct Healthcare staff in 10 minutes than I got out of the Irish medical service in two months.”

Clare has since returned to Direct Healthcare International Limited for further scans and treatment.

Hip Surgery Patient Has 40 Steps up to Her Front Door

Susan N. - aged 75  from Cornwall, UK

Retired US University Faculty member Susan was concerned that following her hip resurfacing surgery she may not be able to navigate the 40 steps up to the front door of her house.

DHI’s patent liaison officer assured her that all would be well.   Following her 8 days stay in Belgium Susan returned home, fit and well able to climb to her front door.

Belgian Precision: Michael's Titanium Triumph with DHI

Michael B. - aged 75 from Rotherham, Yorkshire UK

In a hospital in Belgium, a team of skilled surgeons is focused on a monitor, witnessing precision as a small blade delicately navigates through tissue. Patients, like the one undergoing surgery at this moment, choose Belgium for its reputation of excellence in surgical care, offering a sterile and safe environment.

Michael had initially planned for hip resurfacing surgery, an advanced alternative to traditional Total Hip Replacement (THR). However, upon assessment, the consulting surgeon determined that Mr. M's hip required reconstruction, necessitating a ground breaking titanium implant.

This innovative implant represents a significant leap forward from previous models, virtually eliminating concerns such as dislocations and boasting a wear rate up to 200 times lower than older iterations. With such advancements, the prospect of receiving implants should no longer instill fear; patients can confidently undergo surgery, assured of a swift and complete recovery.

Mr. M's journey was facilitated by Direct Healthcare International Limited, a company specializing in arranging expedited and efficient medical care in Belgium. Despite the need for a more complex procedure, Mr. M was pleasantly surprised to discover that the reconstruction and titanium implant incurred no additional charges. His positive experience, from seamless travel arrangements to exceptional hospital services, led him to enthusiastically recommend Direct Healthcare International to others.

Since its establishment in 2005, Direct Healthcare International has enabled approximately 600 patients annually to access top-tier medical treatment in Belgium, renowned for its excellence in surgical procedures. Collaborating closely with distinguished professionals, including a Harley Street surgeon and a consultant general surgeon, the company ensures comprehensive aftercare support. Additionally, a dedicated nurse attends to specialized needs, such as gastric band refills.

Moreover, Direct Healthcare International offers its services at significantly lower rates compared to equivalent private treatments in the UK. The company's expertise extends across various surgical domains, including hip resurfacing, knee replacements, spine surgeries, as well as common procedures like hernia repairs and gall bladder removals and gynaecological procedures such as hysterectomies. Notably, it excels in obesity surgery, boasting a close partnership with the world’s top obesity surgeons.

From Grumpy to Grateful, a 93-Pound Journey with DHI

Janice K. - aged 43 from Arbroath, Scotland

I have just weight myself on the same calibrated scales I stepped on 8 weeks ago and I am 73 pounds lighter i.e. I have lost 5 stone and 3 pounds in 2 months

My obsession with food has gone and I never feel hungry. The most important change is that I am happy and a lot of people have commented on how in a very short space of time I have went from a miserable grumpy old woman to being very cheery!

My life had been completely transformed - I have my old confidence back, I am walking miles with the dog every day, I am cycling every couple of nights, I am now back in shirts and ties at work, I sleep every single night, I have just Painted the whole of the outside of the house in one day, I never think about food and find it easy to eat small amounts 5 or 6 times a day.

I have a couple of amazing photographs taken 8 weeks apart and if I had not been wearing the same clothes you would have thought it was two different people.
I realise that there is still a long way to go but literally since I got back to Scotland I have not had a single bad day and I am enjoying my life again.
I cannot express how grateful I am to you and I want to thank you and your team for giving me another chance at life.

I was out of breath after walking a few yards, my blood pressure was high, I had become reclusive and due to my eating habits was heading towards 30 stones.
12 weeks later and I have lost 93 pounds (6 stone 9lb) I am heading towards 20 stone, I cycle 3 times a week, I walk 5 miles every night and have been told by several people that I look 10 years younger.

Although the thought of this type of surgery was a nightmare to me, due to the professionalism shown by Direct Healthcare my trip was almost a pleasure. Thanks to Direct-Healthcare I have another shot at life and I am making the most of and aim to continue to do so.

Patient Fear Of MRSA Superbug That Took Husband

Blanche W. - aged 72 from Cardiff, Wales, UK

Overseas op over superbug fear - A woman used her life savings to have a knee operation abroad because she feared she could die from the MRSA superbug in a Welsh hospital.

Blanche, 72, from Cardiff, had caught the bug twice before and thinks it was a factor in her husband's death.

She paid £7,500 to have the operation in Belgium instead.

Cardiff's Llandough Hospital - where she was due to have the surgery - said there were strict hygiene controls in place, but they could not give an absolute guarantee it was MRSA-free.   MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) causes an estimated 2,000 deaths in UK hospitals each year.

Blanche said she decided to go abroad for the operation last October "rather than risk dying at the hands of the NHS.“    Blanche had been waiting two years for an artificial knee "I have 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and wanted to live a bit longer to enjoy being with them," said the widow who lives at Pentyrch.

Her husband, 68-year-old Garfield, died six years ago of kidney failure, but Mrs Beynon, said she was told by the nurses that he had contracted the superbug.

"I'm certain it was a factor in his death," she said.

Blanche had been waiting two years for an artificial knee operation at Llandough Hospital in Cardiff.

She was "thrilled" to get the appointment but, after contracting mild cases of the superbug during two earlier stays in Llandough, she said she wanted an assurance that she would not be infected again.

“When I asked for a guarantee from a hospital manager, she could not give it," said Mrs Beynon.

"I was so shocked that I told her I would not go ahead with the operation even though I needed it so badly. I was prepared to be lame for the rest of my life rather than risk picking up the bug again.”

"It's a disgrace and a sad indictment of the NHS that they were not confident enough about cleanliness to give me the guarantee."

A spokesman for Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust said they had "strict controls to help prevent the spread of infection including MRSA at Llandough Hospital" in line with safety guidance. That included MRSA screening Garfield died six years ago of patients before admission and barrier nursing for any patient with MRSA.  "We also separate orthopedic patients from those with medical conditions so that the risks of cross infection are minimised.  "We also ask visitors to wash their hands with a disinfectant gel," said the spokesman. But he added that, while they did their best to prevent the spread of the infection, they were not able to give "an absolute guarantee".

Blanche had the operation in Belgium.

"The actual surgery cost £6,900 - more than £3,000 less than it would have cost to go private in Britain - with the rest travelling and other expenses," she said.
  
"But it was well worth it to know that I was not in danger of contracting the superbug."