Husband Hospitalised with Chronic Illness During Five-Star Break To Paloma Pasha In Izmir

A service engineer from Chelmsford who suffered gastric illness on a two-week holiday in Turkey has asked lawyers to investigate his and his wife’s illness.

John Cross, from South Woodham Ferrers, was struck down with gastric illness while on a 45 year anniversary holiday with his wife, Janet to the five-star Paloma Pasha resort in Izmir.

The couple booked the fortnight all-inclusive break, costing £3,490.44, through tour operator TUI.

Man put on IV drip and given antibiotics due to symptoms

Five days into the holiday, John began to experience intense stomach pains, diarrhoea, nausea and headaches. His symptoms were so bad, he went to the local medical centre, from where he was hospitalised and placed on an IV drip and given antibiotics.

The pains and stomach cramps continued for several days and became bad enough for a second visit to the medical centre and John had to see his GP on returning to the UK.

The couple have now instructed expert international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate their illness while at Paloma Pasha.

Sarita Sharma, the specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, represents the couple. 

Expert Opinion

“John’s account of his and Janet’s holiday, and the aftermath is very worrying. No one wants to be ill abroad and placed on an IV drip. The fact John had to visit the medical centre abroad twice and his GP on returning to the UK demonstrates the severity of his illness.

“John now has a number of questions on how he came to fall so ill and we’re investigating these concerns in the hope to secure John and Janet with the answers they deserve.

“The couple were on holiday with friends, who also required hospital treatment for their gastric symptoms, and John knows of others who were ill at the same time at the same hotel. As part of our enquires, we would be interested in hearing from anyone else at this hotel who experienced similar symptoms.

“Gastric illness can be very serious, with possible long-term health risks, meaning it must never be downplayed.” Sarita Sharma

Holiday illness: John and Janet's story

John and Janet’s holiday took place between 19 August and 2 September, 2023.

On being discharged from hospital his severe symptoms continued for several days. He was forced to visit the medical centre for a second time. Following, tests John was told he had a bacterial infection potentially from contaminated food or drink.

On returning to the UK, John remained unwell and consulted his GP, who indicated that he was also suffering from high blood pressure. Further tests have been undertaken and John is now awaiting the results.

John speaks out on 'ruined' holiday

John said: “This was meant to be a holiday with friends to celebrate our anniversary and its fair to say that my illness and that of our friends ruined it for all of us.

“I’ve never felt so ill and didn’t think things could get much worse, but a few days in I was so sick that seeking medical advice was the only option. They put me on a drip and said that it was likely a result of contaminated food or drink.

“Back at the hotel, I was in no fit state to take part in anything, which spoiled the holiday for everyone else too. Some of our friends we were with ended up in hospital too and that was also a real concern as we were all so sick.

“Looking back at the hotel the handling of food didn’t seem right, with things not chilled or heated properly. There were animals all over, with cats on the tables in the restaurant. We even found one poor animal close to death in the pool area, which was another unnerving experience.

“We can’t change what happened but this is one holiday I wish we’d never booked. We all deserve some answers and reassurances that steps are being taken to prevent this happening to others.”

Find out more about our expertise in supporting people affected by serious illness on holiday at our dedicated illness abroad section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.