Yesterday we were left with a number of questions.
Was Poppa going to be able to hold on?
Was Junior going to be okay during the flight?
What tie should I wear tomorrow?
A nervous night was spent with as many fingers crossed as possible, finger cramps set in disturbing sleep – and that was just me.
The answers to the questions above are contained in the photo below:
Hi everyone,
Situation:
Poppa is my patient. Grandson “Junior” in Sydney unable to fly back to Auckland because of eye injury. Tearful conversation via internet this morning. Two men heartbroken at the thought that they will never be able to hug each other again.
Background:
Poppa very unwell and worsening rapidly, admitted this morning for hospice care.
Family have tried Cruise lines, Courier companies, travel agents to no avail so far.
Assessment:
Re-uniting Poppa with Junior would provide the greatest comfort.
Recommendation:
Spread the word through all available palliative care networks to see if we can #getjnrbak!
It might have to be via sea because of Junior’s eye injury.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Let’s see if we can provide another example of a real world translation from our Palliative Care virtual community of practice.
Cheers,
James
UPDATE 11/05/16 1700 NZT:
Junior’s medical details were obtained with his permission.
Sean Coleman from Air Ambulance NZ has been very helpful, again – Shipping companies contacted – minimum of 4 day trip by ship.
Freighter Travel company contacted.
Suggestions: Make-a-Wish foundation could be approached?
Anyone know any super-rich people with a spare super-yacht?
UPDATE 12/05/16 1100 NZT:
Cruise ship company contacted.
No commercial flight options available. Low cabin pressure private jet would cost at least $30000+ one way.
The search continues, people have been leaving suggestions in the comments section, thanks.
UPDATE 12/05/16 1700 NZT:
I made contact with P&O Cruises and they did not have anything available this year.
Junior’s family are also exploring freighter ship options apparently there is a Brisbane to Auckland ship sailing next week. Hamish from Freighter Travel also told me about the same possibility, he was very helpful.
Poppa remains very unwell.
Fingers crossed.
UPDATE 13/05/16 1400 NZT:
No news on the travel front, but Poppa woke up and was comfortable today!
Fingers double crossed that its the start of a trend.
palliverse.com 