Problems ‘Ruined’ Special Holiday To Mark Wedding Anniversary

Neil Jackson, 47 was left hospitalised after being diagnosed with salmonella following his return from a special holiday in Gran Canaria and has called on lawyers to help him gain answers regarding what happened.

The Oldham man, developed symptoms including stomach cramps and diarrhoea just a few days into his week-long stay at The Orquidea with his wife Tracey Jackson, which had been booked as part of celebrations to mark their 2nd wedding anniversary.

The illness problems proved so severe that his wife sought advice on his behalf from an on-site doctor. Tests on their return to the UK confirmed that Neil had developed salmonella. He was then treated at Royal Oldham Hospital for eight days and was initially unable to return to his job as a team leader for a water company.

Neil has now instructed Irwin Mitchell’s specialist International Personal Injury team to investigate and help him gain answers regarding how he fell ill.

Expert Opinion

“We are very concerned by the information provided to us by Neil and have started to look into how his illness could have emerged.

His experience is an example of how holiday illness issues of this nature can have a significant impact on those affected, not just impacting on their precious time abroad with loved ones but also disrupting their home life too.

We are determined to help Neil get answers regarding what he has faced. If during the course of our investigations any issues are identified it is important that lessons are learned so other holidaymakers don’t have to suffer the same issues as Neil.” Clare Pearson - Legal Executive & Associate

We would be interested in speaking to any other guests who have stayed at this hotel over the last few months to provide us with further information and eye-witness accounts of the issues reported at the hotel in order to assist us with our investigations.

Neil’s all-inclusive holiday at The Orquidea in the resort of was booked through TUI and began on 14 October. However, he started to develop symptoms a few days later.

He recalled: “While I was on holiday I noticed that some of the food was left out uncovered and some of the cold food did not seem to be refrigerated.

After I became ill I was in a really bad way and I just couldn’t believe what had happened. Tracey was told by a doctor to give me rehydration medication and plenty of water and while we did that, I was still struggling. Getting home and being told I had salmonella was a massive shock and I just want to know how that could have happened.”

While Neil was in hospital for eight days, he was unable to return to his job and has been signed off until fit enough to return to work.

He said: “The illness feels like a double blow, as it not only ruined my holiday but has also had an impact on my life back in the UK too and I am still undergoing investigations with my doctor because I am still suffering from symptoms.

“I’m angry and frustrated and feel I deserve some answers regarding what I’ve been through. My only hope is no other holidaymakers face what I have.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell’s expertise in handling holiday illness cases.