Family of Spading schoolgirl Lisa Szymanowska give update on her condition

The family of a schoolgirl who became seriously ill on a Spanish holiday have given an update on her condition.

Lisa Szymanowska, 14, from Spalding, is currently in Alicante’s General Hospital, with mum Monika Kaleta and older sister Alicia Kaleta at her bedside who are desperate to bring her back to England to recover.

Following a summer break the teenager felt unwell, lost consciousness and doctors diagnosed her with encephalitis, swelling on the brain and placed her in an induced coma.

MP Sir John Hayes has offered to speak to the Foreign Secretary on the family’s behalf.

Alicia Kaleta, from Donington, said: “If she could recover back in England it would be much easier but at the moment she is too weak to sit up and can not talk.

“I contacted a private company who said it would cost £27,000 if she came back in an air ambulance or if Lisa could fly on a normal plane with a medical assistant it would cost £5,000.

“Obviously we are still in shock as it happened so quickly and watching Lisa go from a normal teenage girl and being how she is - it is hard to watch.”

Alicia being in Spain has given mum Monika a break being at Lisa’s bedside and to get some rest herself .

The thoughtful older sister took a favourite cuddly toy to make Lisa feel more comfortable but they have been advised by doctors that recovery is going to take a long time.

She said: “There is some good news in that the swelling on her brain has gone but there have been changes in her behaviour.

“I am in Spain for a few days as nurses have asked us to be with her 24/7 as she gets really irritated from the brain damage trying to get off the bed.

“She is doing a treatment which will last until Friday and after that the doctors will see how she is.”

If Lisa is well enough to transfer into the recovery unit it may be the family can start to realistically bring her to a hospital in England of their choice that is nearer home.

Alicia said: “The treatment is drawing out her blood and cleaning it out in the machine.

“Her immune system is working against her and the treatment is to help build up her immune system.

“The doctors are nice and supportive but there is sometimes a language barrier but we use Google translate.”

The feeding tube has caused difficulty in Lisa being able to talk but she has been trying and is able to whisper.

Alicia said: “Her voice hasn't come back yet and needs to heal but that will come with time

“She can't be at home because of her health and the doctors said she needs lots of time.

“I am about to speak to the Foreign Office and see if they will be able to help or give us any support. It is very expensive.”

A spokesperson for NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board said: “We would like to send our best wishes to Lisa and her family, and hope that she makes a full recovery.

“In line with UK government advice, our advice for anyone travelling overseas is to make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance for you and your family before you travel.

“You can get information and guidance on medical emergencies, treatment and hospitalization abroad here.”

“There is also information here on how to get state healthcare abroad (in this case Spain), including advice on the UK-issued Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), although neither is a replacement for travel insurance.”

The crowd funder that Alicia set up at the beginning of September has reached more than £13,000 which will help with expenses for Monika and Alicia who both work at Spalding Grammar School.

To donate to the fundraiser visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-support-lisa-and-her-family

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