A holidaymaker claimed he was forced to fork out for two unexpected bills after doctors told him he was safe to fly with his arm encased in plaster.

But when Jim Parker arrived at check-in at Gatwick, he was told he would not be allowed on board in case his arm started to swell up inside the fixed cast.

Unlucky break - Jim nurses his broken arm Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

The 52-year-old chauffeur had broken his arm a week earlier while helping a friend bring a boat into its moorings at Canvey.

He went to Basildon Hospital A&E department where his arm was put into a soft-back plaster to allow for any swelling.

Jim, of The Spinnakers, Benfleet, said: "I told the doctor I was flying and asked if it was OK. Otherwise, I would have cancelled the holiday. I was told it was perfectly all right."

However, staff on the airport check-in desk disagreed and refused him permission to board without a doctor's letter.

Jim said: "We had to pay out £110 to change the flight to that night and £120 for a taxi to Basildon Hospital and back, as by that time the friend who brought us had gone."

He claimed when he returned to Basildon, nurses and doctors all agreed it was not safe to fly, and changed the dressing to allow for any in-flight swelling.

He has been informed by the NHS Litigation Authority that his claim to be reimbursed for his extra expenses has been denied.

He was told: "There is no evidence to indicate that the application of the cast or the advice given in relation to it was negligent regarding the treatment of the injury."

Published Monday, February 24, 2003

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