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London teacher’s move to Hungary highlights NHS rehabilitation shortfalls and rising medical tourism

Wednesday, 21 May 2025 12:32AM UTC

After a life-changing brain haemorrhage and a challenging NHS hospital experience, Anna Chithrakala sought specialist rehabilitation in Hungary, revealing growing UK patient concerns over NHS care standards and the financial pressures driving treatment abroad.

A London teacher’s harrowing journey from a brain haemorrhage to recovery underscores the complexities of seeking medical treatment abroad amidst concerns about NHS care. Anna Chithrakala, 45, suffered a sudden brain bleed during a walk in December 2024, leaving her unable to speak, walk, or move her right side. After multiple surgeries at hospitals in the UK, her family characterised their experience as a "nightmare," ultimately leading them to seek help in Hungary.

Initially rushed to hospital, Anna underwent six hours of surgery but subsequently faced disheartening conditions at University Hospital Lewisham, where she reported bullying behaviour from nursing staff and noisy wards that hampered her recovery. “Everything was pessimistic,” Anna recalled in an interview, noting that her efforts to escape the hospital were met with mockery from staff.

Driven by a determination to ensure her daughter’s rehabilitation, Anna’s mother, Piroska Markus, discovered a specialised rehabilitation programme at a facility in Hungary. The family relied on a 1,100-mile drive to reach the hospital, which took two and a half days. In Hungary, Anna’s weekly therapy sessions cost approximately £500, significantly less than comparable private treatment options in the UK, which can run upwards of £5,000.

While the NHS does offer some support for rehabilitation, the reality is often stark. NHS guidelines suggest that patients may receive only a fraction of the therapy hours recommended for effective recovery upon discharge. Anna's experience underscores a recurring concern: the limitations of NHS services are leading more patients to seek alternatives abroad, a trend noted as “medical tourism.” This is particularly prevalent among individuals requiring specialised care, especially when the NHS cannot meet their urgent needs.

However, embarking on treatment overseas carries inherent risks. Patients are urged to conduct thorough research on the facilities and the qualifications of the medical staff, as well as ensuring that appropriate travel insurance is in place. The necessity of prior authorisation from the NHS for planned treatments abroad adds an additional layer of complexity.

Despite these challenges, Anna's early results in Hungary have been promising; she is regaining her ability to walk and talk after months of struggle. Her intensive rehabilitation regimen includes various therapies, from physiotherapy and speech therapy to music and robotics therapy. Family members report a stark difference in care philosophy, with more focus on an active recovery approach rather than the passive experiences they encountered in the UK.

Although Anna's treatment in Hungary appears to be yielding positive outcomes, the family is now facing financial strain. Their GoFundMe campaign, launched to support ongoing rehabilitation costs, reflects the reality many families encounter when navigating the healthcare system. The need for financial assistance for treatments not covered by the NHS is an emerging issue, as patient stories like Anna’s highlight the inadequacies within the system.

The NHS has publicly expressed concern about Anna's experience and encouraged her family to engage directly for a formal investigation into their complaints. Nonetheless, her case sheds light on broader discussions about health and rehabilitation services in the UK and raises critical questions about accessibility and quality of care. As patients increasingly explore overseas options in search of better outcomes, the conversation about the NHS’s role and the future of healthcare in the UK remains vital and urgent.

The intersection of affordability, quality, and accessibility in healthcare continues to provoke significant debate. While Anna's story demonstrates both the potential benefits and drawbacks of seeking treatment abroad, it also underscores a pressing need for reform within the NHS to better serve patients facing critical health challenges.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/nhs-private-treatment-overseas-hungary-b2754446.html - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/going-abroad-for-treatment/going-abroad-for-medical-treatment/ - This NHS guide provides essential information for UK residents considering medical treatment abroad. It emphasizes the importance of thorough research, including verifying the qualifications of medical staff and understanding the facilities at the chosen clinic or hospital. The guide also highlights the necessity of adequate travel insurance, as standard policies may not cover planned treatments overseas. Additionally, it discusses the need for prior authorization from the NHS for planned treatments in Europe and advises on the potential risks and costs associated with seeking medical care outside the UK.
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/travelling-abroad-for-medical-treatment - Fit for Travel offers comprehensive advice for UK residents planning to undergo medical treatment abroad. The guidance includes pre-travel considerations such as conducting thorough research, ensuring adequate insurance coverage, and understanding the health risks specific to the destination. It also addresses post-treatment aspects, advising on aftercare coordination and potential complications. The resource emphasizes the importance of consulting with a GP before making any decisions and provides a checklist to help individuals prepare for medical travel.
https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/surgical-procedures/surgery-abroad-without-nhs-referral - NHS Inform discusses the implications of seeking surgery abroad without an NHS referral. It advises against choosing to pay for surgery abroad as part of a packaged holiday, citing potential risks such as lack of consultation with the actual surgeon and the absence of post-operative care. The article highlights that while UK treatments may appear more expensive, they offer regulated services with comprehensive aftercare. It also notes that NHS Scotland is under no obligation to provide pre and post-operative care other than emergency care for treatments obtained abroad.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jun/29/britons-seeking-medical-treatments-overseas-should-beware-low-prices - The Guardian article warns UK residents about the potential pitfalls of seeking medical treatments overseas due to low initial costs. It highlights cases where patients have faced complications from poorly executed procedures abroad, leading to higher long-term expenses and the need for corrective surgeries. The piece emphasizes the importance of thoroughly researching and verifying the credentials of overseas clinics and surgeons to ensure quality and safety are not compromised.
https://improvinglivesnw.org.uk/our-work/healthier-communities/information-for-patients-considering-privately-funded-treatment-abroad/ - This resource provides information for patients considering privately funded treatment abroad. It outlines the potential health and financial risks associated with medical tourism, including the variability in medical standards and the possibility of complications leading to additional costs. The article also discusses the lack of recourse in many countries should things go wrong and the challenges in accessing aftercare upon returning to the UK. It advises patients to be aware of these factors before deciding to seek treatment overseas.
https://medrefund.co.uk/private-treatment-abroad/ - MedRefund discusses the considerations for UK residents seeking private treatment abroad, including the importance of understanding the costs involved and what is included in the treatment package. The article advises patients to inquire about charges in advance and to ensure they have appropriate travel insurance. It also highlights the legal duty of care that private clinics abroad have towards patients and the necessity of checking if the treatment is covered by the NHS and eligible for reimbursement.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative includes recent events and dates, such as December 2024. However, there is no specific information indicating that it is entirely new or unique, as themes of NHS limitations and medical tourism are common.

Quotes check

Score: 6

Notes: Direct quotes are present, but there is no clear indication of their original source. The quotes seem to be from an interview with Anna Chithrakala, but further verification is needed.

Source reliability

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative originates from The Independent, a well-known and reputable publication. This generally indicates high reliability, but the specific claims about NHS and private treatment should be verified through multiple sources.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims about NHS limitations and medical tourism are plausible, as these are well-documented issues. However, specific details about Anna’s experience and the Hungarian treatment require additional verification.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative is plausible and originates from a reliable source. However, further verification is needed to confirm specific details about Anna’s experience and the comparison of NHS and overseas treatments.

NHS
Medical tourism
Rehabilitation
Healthcare abroad
Patient stories