AN APPEAL has been launched for the family of a seriously ill toddler from Alcester who are experiencing a financial catastrophe following their daughter’s treatment.
Emily Van Rooyen, age three, underwent four hours of life-saving lung surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH) last Friday after contracting double strep pneumonia, an adenovirus infection and Covid-19.
She was previously treated at both Warwick and the Royal Stoke University Hospitals but was moved to BCH after complications.
But, because the status of her parents, Phil and Kayla, is currently unresolved, it is unknown whether Emily is entitled to free NHS treatment.
Three-year-old Emily Van Rooyen from Alcester.
The couple who originate from South Africa, have worked and paid taxes in the UK since 2019 but are currently awaiting confirmation of their ‘indefinite leave to remain’ status after their visas expired in May. They are expected to get them this month.
The couple would have been covered for NHS treatment under their original visas, having paid a UK healthcare surcharge as part of costs.
But, with Emily technically classed as South African, even though she was born in the UK and has never left the country, the family has been asked to prove she has the right to free treatment.
To add to their woes, Phil was made redundant two days before Emily became ill and Kayla, a self-employed hairdresser, has been unable to work since remaining at the daughter’s bedside from when she was admitted to Warwick Hospital on September 16 with a temperature and bad cough.
Kayla, who owns Serenity Hair and Beauty on Alcester High Street, said it was a huge relief Emily’s operation had been successful and praised the NHS.
“The entire NHS has been absolutely amazing. They have been so helpful and extremely kind. We are so grateful for everything they have done.
“Up until last Friday, we thought our baby was going to die. Doctors told me it was pretty common to get one of the three viruses but was very bad luck to get all three at the same time.”
Surgeons are pleased with Emily’s progress and she is recovering. She was moved out of ICU to a high dependency unit on Monday, although she is likely to remain in hospital for the next two or four weeks.
In happier times, Emily who turned three at the end of August.
The couple paid out £12,000 when applying for settlement status in May and consequently have no personal savings to cover their everyday living costs during this stressful time.
Kayla is extremely grateful to have been able to stay at BCH thanks to a room at Ronald McDonald House which provides free accommodation for the parents of sick children regardless of their background.
But she said caring for her very sick daughter and trying to prove they had a right to free healthcare was extremely worrying.
“If Emily doesn’t meet any of the criteria we will be facing a bill from all three hospitals. It’s extremely stressful. We have got nothing. If we are liable then we will be stuck with that bill for the rest of our lives.”
Currently, the GoFundMe set up by friend Ceri-Ann Selby has raised £5,631 of its £10,000 goal.
Visit: gofundme.com/f/baby-emilys-family/ to donate.
