Cruise passenger stuck in hospital with no way home thanks to state govt stand-off

A cruise passenger is stuck in hospital after his 40th wedding anniversary trip went south.

What started out as a fun-filled holiday at sea turned into a dangerous nightmare for a man now stranded in a Darwin Hospital unable to get home to Western Australia.

Peter Jackson and his wife Amanda set sail from Sydney to Fremantle on the Crown Princess and were having the time of their lives celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary until 63-year-old Mr Jackson fell backwards while re-embarking the vessel after ANZAC celebrations in Darwin.

He suffered a bleed on the brain and was rushed to the ship hospital – but when the ship had to set sail, Mr Jackson was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital where he has since undergone two surgeries for brain bleeds.

Peter Jackson and his wife Amanda set sail from Sydney to Fremantle on what was meant to be a dream holiday. Picture: Supplied

“He was unconscious for two days and we were told he was in trouble, and to prepare ourselves,” Mr Jackson’s daughter Chloe Moloney told news.com.au.

“We were told Dad was too unwell to be transported and he needed to be stable for an airlift. Once he was stable, an airlift was to be done. Dad came around and improved and was moved to a ward.”

But for reasons unknown to the anxious family, the medical transport back to WA was cancelled.

“We couldn’t understand why. Dad needs to be admitted to a neuro-rehab facility once a bed becomes available back home,” Ms Moloney said.

“Dad’s speech has been impacted quite severely, he is quite hard to understand now. He also has issues with his right arm, and his high-level balance. Flying home commercially is not an option for us, with his condition.”

Ms Moloney is desperate for answers and a solution.

Mr Jackson has since undergone two surgeries for bleeds on the brain. Picture: Supplied

Mr Jackson’s wife has been keeping a beside vigil. Picture: Supplied

“On Wednesday last week we were told that neither the WA or NT governments wanted to pay for dad to get home, even though he needed to be admitted to a neuro-rehab facility,” she said.

“They said we needed to pay to get him on a commercial flight. From the research I have done I’m sure this falls under the national health form agreement, where the national government pays or they split the cost.

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service quoted $80,000 to fly Dad home. Mum and Dad have premium Ambulance cover which covers Air Ambulance but the health fund advised mum that St Johns Ambulance in Darwin do the patient transfers,” Ms Moloney said.

Chloe Moloney with her parents Peter and Amanda Jackson on her wedding day. Picture: Supplied

“When called, St Johns gave mum a flat no, with no reason why.

“Mum had another quote that will provide a nurse on a commercial flight to sit in business class with dad and that costs $15,000.

“Where is she supposed to get all this money from when she has already spent thousands on accommodation so far to stay with dad?

“It’s been a nightmare. We just want to get him home safely and get the ongoing care he needs,” Ms Moloney said.

“My dad is the most beautiful man. When he was of sound mind he would go out of his way to help anyone. Well now he needs help and we just can’t get it.”

Both the NT and WA Governments have been contacted for comment.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing said The National Health Reform Agreement recognises state and territory governments are the system managers of their public health and hospital systems.

In their system manager roles, the Northern Territory (NT) and Western Australia (WA) Governments have policy and funding responsibility for their own ambulance and patient transport services, including associated fees and charges. The Australian Government does not have a role in administering patient transport.

A spokeswoman for St John NT said “this type of patient transport would need to be arranged by NT Health. If requested by NT Health, St John NT may facilitate the transport but we cannot initiate it.”

Originally published as Cruise passenger stuck in hospital with no way home thanks to state govt stand-off