The Provincial Health Directorate in Holguín has refuted allegations that Sylvie Beauchesne, a Canadian tourist injured in the region, received inadequate medical care in Cuba, as claimed by her family. Through an announcement on their Facebook page, the agency clarified that Beauchesne was treated at the "Lucía Iñiguez Landín" Clinical-Surgical Hospital, and not at the Lenin Hospital, as some social media sources had reported.
"We provide clarification regarding the post from the Facebook page La Tijera, which this afternoon spread false information about the care given to Sylvie Beauchesne, a Canadian national treated at the Lucía Iñiguez Landín Clinical-Surgical Hospital, not at Lenin Hospital as stated," the announcement read.
The statement detailed that Beauchesne arrived at the hospital's emergency department on February 8 at 2 a.m., following a hip injury. It noted that she initially refused to undergo the necessary physical examination and imaging studies for a proper diagnosis. The patient was admitted to the International Medical Attention ward where, after changing into hospital attire, she was advised to use a catheter due to severe pain during movement, which she retained until her return to Canada.
According to the health officials, an X-ray taken with portable equipment in the ward revealed a hip dislocation, contrary to rumors of a fracture. While further procedures were suggested to address the dislocation surgically, Beauchesne declined, backed by her family over the phone. Additionally, she did not consent to the required fasting, preventing her from undergoing surgery on February 8. During this time, pain relief was administered.
The statement emphasized that on February 9, after agreeing to necessary pre-procedure measures, Beauchesne was taken to the operating room for a 15-minute hip reduction under general anesthesia, which was successfully completed without surgical incisions. Her recovery was noted as favorable.
On February 10, at 2:00 p.m., she was transported by ambulance to the "Frank País García" International Airport, from where she was flown back to Canada without bureaucratic delays, according to the statement.
Family's Account Contradicts Official Statement
However, Beauchesne's family recounted a different narrative. According to Canadian media reports, she endured nearly 48 hours in "concerning" conditions, struggling to communicate effectively with the medical staff and facing challenges in arranging her return home.
Her daughter, Marika Sirois, took to social media to express that her mother was unable to comprehend the staff's instructions, complicating her hospital stay. Sirois also alleged that her mother was repeatedly medicated without explanations about the administered drugs and received insufficient meals, at times limited to "two slices of tomato per meal."
The family claimed that communication issues and insurance-related delays prolonged her stay in Holguín. Eventually, on the afternoon of February 10, Beauchesne was flown to Montreal via air ambulance, from where she was set to be transferred to Trois-Rivières for specialized care.
Questions Regarding Medical Treatment of Canadian Tourist in Cuba
What was the reason for Sylvie Beauchesne's hospital visit in Holguín?
Sylvie Beauchesne visited the hospital in Holguín after sustaining a hip injury.
How did the health authorities in Holguín respond to the allegations of poor care?
The health authorities in Holguín denied the claims, stating that Beauchesne received appropriate medical attention at the "Lucía Iñiguez Landín" Clinical-Surgical Hospital.
What challenges did Beauchesne's family report during her hospital stay?
Her family reported communication difficulties, unclarified medication, and inadequate meals during her hospital stay.