Security Manager Put On Five Different IV Drips During Stay At Pharaoh Azur Resort

A security manager from Hampshire has asked lawyers to investigate after he became seriously ill with gastric symptoms during a family holiday at a five-star resort in Hurghada, Egypt.

Ciaran O’Donnell, 48 travelled to the Pharaoh Azur Resort with his wife Victoria, 45 and the couple’s two children, Niall 16, and Hayden 14, in July this year.

The family, from Fareham in Hampshire, booked the seven-day break through tour operator Holiday Gems Limited.

Three days into the holiday, Ciaran was struck down with serious gastric symptoms, including stomach pains, diarrhoea and lethargy. Ciaran was sent to a medical centre in Egypt where blood tests were conducted and he was given five different IV drips due to severe dehydration.

Ciaran continued to feel unwell and had a further appointment with his GP on returning to the UK as well as continuation of medication issued to him on his release from the Hurghada Medical Centre.

He has now instructed expert international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness.

Expert Opinion

“The account Ciaran has given about his illness is very concerning. Falling ill abroad is many people’s worst nightmare and the fact Ciaran had to attend hospital and be treated with multiple IV’s is a particular concern. It’s not what you expect when travelling to a five-star resort.

“As Ciaran continues his recovery, he now understandably has many questions on how he came to be so ill, which we are now investigating. Gastric illnesses can lead to serious long-term conditions and must never be downplayed.

“Ciaran is aware of another family who also had members who fell ill at the same time and we would be interested in speaking to anyone who was ill at this hotel who may be able to assist further with our ongoing investigation.” Jatinder Paul

The O’Donnell’s family holiday took place between 27 July and 3 August 2023.

Ciaran, a Security Manager, started to feel unwell three days into the holiday on 30 July, with stomach cramps and diarrhoea, which became steadily worse as the day went on. By the following day, the symptoms were so severe that Ciaran attended the hotel’s medical centre, who suspected he had an infection.

On being sent to hospital, two blood tests were conducted and due to his dehydration, Ciaran was put on the first of five different IV drips. His condition continued to deteriorate in hospital, so much so, that he remained a patient until his condition improved enough for him to be released on 2 August 2023

At the hospital in Egypt, Ciaran was ultimately given a diagnosis of gastroenteritis.

The family observed a number of things that concerned them about the hotel during their stay. Ciaran said that some of the food was left uncovered and that on occasions the same dishes seemed to be served again at later meal times. One time they recalled seeing raw chicken unattended by the side of the grill, partly covered in cling film, in temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius.

Ciaran said: “It’s safe to say my illness completely ruined the holiday for all of us. We’d saved up to take the kids away somewhere special and had really been looking forward to it.

“On the third day, I felt really ill and didn’t think it was possible to get any worse, but by the time I arrived at hospital, somehow it did. The doctors were great but repeated blood tests and being hooked up to several drips really does make you fear the worst and it was a traumatic experience for all of us.

“The holiday was ruined and even on returning to the hotel, I was in no fit state to take part in anything. The swimming pool was a risk I didn’t take, particularly after it had been closed due to another guest ‘contaminating’ the pool, whatever that might mean. The maintenance team were seen replacing damaged swimming pool tiles with strong smelling chemical adhesives while the swimming pool was full of water and in use by families.

“I was so ill, that I also had to cancel the trip to the water park that we had really been looking forward to. It was hard to let them down and see their disappointment, but I was so ill, going was really out of the question. My wife reluctantly agreed to take the kids to the water park on her own which proved to be a daunting task for her in a foreign country where English is not the first language, particularly when pre-arranged transport to return them to the hotel did not turn up. I felt particularly bad as I was not there to help the situation in any way.

“We know of at least one other family who were ill and I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more. We took the usual precautions, from not having ice to only drinking bottled water, but it wasn’t enough. I’m just glad it happened to me and not Victoria or the children.

“I was still feeling the effects on returning home and now want to find out how this happened. We can’t change what went on and wishing we never booked this holiday doesn’t help. I think the least we deserve are some answers at the end of all this. If it prevents someone else from falling ill, it will have been worth it.”

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