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Saturday, 14 December, 2002, 13:12 GMT
Tourist 'critical' after DVT operation
Gibson family portrait
Mr Gibson's family had to leave his bedside
A father-of-five from Glasgow is critically ill, after developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while on holiday in Majorca.

Gary Gibson, 37, was admitted to hospital in the island's capital Palma on 2 December, the day before his family were due to fly home.

Surgeons removed a blood clot from his right leg during an emergency operation, but Mr Gibson has since developed pneumonia and kidney failure.

A spokesman for the foreign office said his condition is critical, and he is under sedation.

Lillian Gibson
Lillian Gibson: "Nobody there to help"

His wife Lillian and their children returned to their home in the Priesthill area of Glasgow after they had gone on holiday without travel insurance.

She told BBC Scotland the family felt helpless and that no-one appeared concerned for their plight.

"There was nobody there to help us," she said.

"Nobody could tell us anything and my husband was screaming with pain, everything was all down to insurance.

"I didn't think for a minute (of DVT) because we fly every year and nothing has ever happened."

Mrs Gibson said anyone travelling abroad should make sure they are insured and receive proper medical advice.

The foreign office spokesman said consular staff in Majorca were in touch with medical staff at the hospital on a regular basis.

The family had travelled to Majorca with First Choice holidays, the spokesman said.

 WATCH/LISTEN
 ON THIS STORY
Reevel Alderson reports
"Gary Gibson remains in a critical condition"
See also:

19 Nov 02 | Health
06 Oct 02 | Wales
11 May 01 | C-D
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