Dutch tourist returns to South Africa to thank medical team after life-saving surgery

In a poignant reunion that underscored the power of compassionate healthcare, Dutch tourist Manon Rouwette-Janssen recently returned to South Africa to express her gratitude to the medical team that saved her life after she sustained a severe spinal injury in a boating accident in St Lucia.

More than two years ago, on her family's second visit to South Africa, Manon, along with her husband, found themselves captivated by the country's vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. Their journey began 24 years prior when they first traversed the diverse terrains of Southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

“Somehow the light in South Africa is different, with beautiful sunsets. The people here are very friendly, and we like how multicultural your country is – and the delicious food,” Manon reminisced. Their most recent trip aimed to deepen their family's connection to the land, including the extraordinary experience of witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat. However, tragedy struck as she was injured on a boat in St Lucia and required urgent medical attention.

The severity of Manon’s condition required her transport by Netcare 911 helicopter emergency medical services to the emergency department at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital, one of only four private Level 1 trauma centres accredited by the Trauma Society of South Africa.

“As a Dutch tourist, I felt extremely vulnerable in a foreign hospital with a broken back,” Manon recalled. “I cannot express my gratitude enough for the high standard of medical care, but also for the healthcare team’s approachability, personal care, and involvement throughout my stay.”

Upon arriving at Netcare St Anne’s, Manon was met with an impressive display of efficiency. The trauma surgeon and his team were prepared for her arrival, ensuring immediate examinations and scans. A CT scan confirmed the presence of a compression fracture in her lumbar spine, leading to her transfer to neurosurgeon Dr Sandile Ngwenya for further evaluation and treatment.

Dr Ngwenya’s team determined that urgent surgery was necessary to prevent life-altering consequences. “We requested an MRI scan to see exactly what was happening. An intervertebral disc was compressing her spinal cord," he explained. Engaging with her travel insurance, they successfully advocated for the surgery amidst discussions of potential risks should she return home unoperated.

After an intricate spinal decompression and fusion surgery, Manon was placed in a high-care unit for rehabilitation. During this critical phase, she faced an unexpected complication as her blood pressure elevated. Netcare St  Anne’s resident physician Dr Devan Gounder was called to manage her hypertension.

“The multidisciplinary cooperation among the healthcare professionals working together as a team was striking. In the Netherlands, it’s often difficult to get specialists from different disciplines to consult each other effectively,” Manon noted, highlighting the impressive integration at Netcare St Anne’s.

Her recovery was bolstered by daily visits from her trauma surgeon, Dr Ngwenya, physiotherapist Lee-Ash Chuntharpursat, occupational therapist, and clinical psychologist Prishika Pillay, who explained the importance of early psychological support in preventing post-traumatic stress related to physical injuries.

Once Manon was stable enough to return to their guest lodge, the medical team continued to show concern for her wellbeing, even liaising with the insurance company to ensure her safe travel back to the Netherlands, which included necessary arrangements for extra space on the flight for her recovery.

Upon returning home, the Dutch doctors she consulted praised the world-class level of surgical care she received at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital, reassuring her that she was in good hands during a critical moment far from home.

Manon described her return to South Africa to meet the trauma team as “emotional and beautiful,” a chance to reconnect and thank those whose efforts played a vital role in her recovery. “It was important to me to return to South Africa; experiences like mine should not hold you back. Seeing the whole team again filled my heart with gratitude.”

With tears of joy, she concluded, “I wish to thank all the members of the trauma team, from the top, middle, and bottom of my heart.”