Product Designer Put On IV Drip After Falling Ill On Holiday In Dalaman Asks Lawyers To Investigate

A dad-of-two from Didcot has instructed lawyers to investigate after he was diagnosed with salmonella following a family holiday to Turkey.

Louis MacDonald, aged 43, travelled to the four-star TUI Blue Tropical resort in Dalaman with his partner Kirsty Miller, aged 33, their son, Freddie, and baby daughter, Bella, aged 7 months.

The family booked their trip through tour operator TUI UK Limited to celebrate Freddie’s fourth birthday.

Dad seeks medical help at resort after falling ill

On the last day of the holiday, product designer Louis began suffering with gastric symptoms including diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal cramps. He sought medical help at the resort. He was put on an intravenous (IV) drip and prescribed antibiotics.

On his return to the UK, Louis saw a GP after continuing to feel unwell. He was diagnosed with salmonella.

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

Expert Opinion

“The first-hand account we’ve heard from Louis about his symptoms is very worrying. That Louis had to be put on a drip abroad and was diagnosed with salmonella on his return home is of particular concern.

“Gastric illness is serious and the effects of it should never be downplayed. In some cases, it can lead to long-term health problems.

“We are now investigating how Louis became seriously ill. If during the course of our investigations, any issues are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to prevent other holidaymakers from falling ill in the future.” Sarita Sharma, International Serious Injury lawyer

Gastric symptoms strike on family holiday

The family’s holiday took place between 17 and 25 September, last year.

On their last day, Louis was struck down with constant abdominal cramps, nausea and diarrhoea.  He also had a fever and complained of headaches and lethargy.

He was put on an IV drip for three to four hours at the resort and was prescribed antibiotics and anti-diarrhoea medication.

Louis’s continues to suffer with symptoms to this day.

Louis's story

He said: “We’d all really been looking forward to going away and celebrating Freddie turning four.  By the last day of the holiday, however, I was very unwell.  I deteriorated so quickly that I had to see a medic at the resort.

“I was still really bad when we got home. I couldn’t even get out of bed properly for a few days. When my GP told me I had salmonella, I was in complete shock.

“The buffet at the hotel restaurant was being touched by chefs without gloves, it was left uncovered and new food was added to existing food. The cutlery and glasses were often dirty as well, and I saw stray cats in and around the kitchen. It really wasn’t something I expected from a four-star resort.

“I was really worried the kids would end up falling ill, but thankfully they were okay. I’ve still not fully recovered and while I know I can’t change anything, it was a horrible experience and I feel I deserve some answers.”

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