British Mother and Daughter Hospitalized in Montenegro

Helen and Nell Barratt, a British mother and daughter, are receiving medical treatment in Montenegro after being struck by a car while on holiday in Budva on April 13th. Both women sustained life-changing injuries in the incident.

Details of the Hit-and-Run

The Barratts were walking to a local shop when a vehicle veered off the road and collided with them. Helen Barratt was thrown backwards, initially hitting the striking vehicle and then a parked car, resulting in significant head and back trauma. Her daughter, 19-year-old Nell Barratt, suffered a broken collarbone, fractures to her vertebrae, and a large open wound on her back.

Financial Hardship and Expired Insurance

The family is facing a substantial medical bill estimated at £40,000, compounded by the fact that their travel insurance had expired. While they have Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs), these only cover emergency treatment and do not cover the extensive follow-up care or medical repatriation needed.

GoFundMe Campaign Launched

A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated by a friend to help cover the costs of a medical flight home, as both Helen and Nell are currently immobile. The campaign aims to raise £40,000 to facilitate their return to the UK.

Family's Efforts and Concerns

Ella Barratt, Nell’s sister, who lives in Serbia, is working to secure their release and return, coordinating with the British Embassy and a local lawyer. She described the accident as having ‘changed their lives completely’ and expressed her anguish at witnessing her mother and sister’s suffering.

Injuries and Medical Assessments

Helen has sustained a fractured pubic bone, a split lip with signs of infection, and ten head injuries requiring stitches. Ella has voiced concerns about the adequacy of medical assessments, particularly regarding the extent of Helen’s head injuries and whether a CT scan has been performed to rule out brain damage.

Support from the Foreign Office

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed they are providing support to the family and are in contact with local authorities. As of this report, the GoFundMe campaign has raised over $8,105 towards the £8,780 goal.

Importance of Travel Insurance

This incident highlights the critical importance of valid travel insurance when traveling internationally and the potential consequences of unforeseen accidents abroad.