A Canadian man from Calabogie, Ontario, named Grant Rice suffered a medical emergency while in Costa Rica and is currently stuck in a hospital there because no hospitals in Ontario have available beds for him. Rice, who was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder, was found by his daughter, Emma, in a critical state upon her arrival in Costa Rica. Despite having insurance and a plane ready to transport him back to Canada, the lack of available beds has forced them to stay in Costa Rica. Emma explained that the search for a hospital bed initially begins in Rice’s catchment area in Renfrew County, but expands to surrounding regions if no bed is available nearby.
Emma revealed that a request was made to secure her father a bed on April 10th but as of Friday morning, there were still no updates or available beds. She has been in contact with local MPPs, the consulate, doctors, and a representative from the Renfrew Hospital in an effort to secure a bed for her father. The challenge lies in finding a doctor who is willing to admit Rice and has a bed available for him, especially considering the level of care he requires. Emma, who does not speak Spanish and is unfamiliar with Costa Rica, described the experience as overwhelming as she advocates for her father.
As the pair continues to wait for answers, Emma expressed her frustration at not being able to get her father into a hospital bed in Ontario. She emphasized that the issue is not related to insurance coverage or lack of care but rather the lack of availability of beds. She stated that it is terrifying to not be able to provide Rice with the care he needs, especially knowing that it is not a financial or logistical barrier. Emma also highlighted the importance of having a family member advocate for a loved one in such situations, as it can be extremely challenging for those without support.
Hannah Jensen, a spokesperson for the Minister of Health, stated that Ontario always has critical care beds available to care for those in need. If a patient with medical travel insurance requires critical care, the insurance company would contact CritiCall Ontario, a 24/7 emergency consultation and referral service. Jensen explained that CritiCall would always facilitate care for a patient in need of critical care and would not refuse the patient or insurance company. Emma shared her belief that she will be able to return to Canada on her father’s medical evacuation flight but is unable to leave until he does due to his condition.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by individuals in need of medical care abroad, especially in instances where their home country’s healthcare system is unable to accommodate them. Emma’s experience in advocating for her father showcases the importance of having a support system and being able to navigate complex healthcare systems, both domestically and internationally. The story of Grant Rice emphasizes the need for improved communication and coordination between healthcare providers, insurance companies, and government agencies to ensure timely and appropriate care for patients in critical situations. The family’s ordeal serves as a reminder of the complexities and limitations of the healthcare system, even in countries with publicly funded healthcare.
