Provincial Health Directorate of Holguín denies poor treatment of Canadian tourist injured in Cuba

The Provincial Health Directorate of Holguín denied that the Canadian tourist Sylvie Beauchesne, who suffered an accident in the province, had received inadequate care on the island, as her family had claimed.

In a statement published on its Facebook profile, the entity assured that the patient was treated at the "Lucía Iñiguez Landín" Clinical Surgical Hospital, and not at the Lenin Hospital, as sources on social media had claimed while reporting on the case.

"We provide information regarding the publication on La Tijera's Facebook profile, where this afternoon false news was spread concerning the care provided to patient Sylvie Beauchesne, a Canadian national, who was treated at the Lucía Iñiguez Landín Clinical Surgical Hospital and not at Lenin Hospital, as the site states," the statement said.

The text explains that "on February 8 at 2 AM, she arrived at the institution's Emergency Room after suffering a trauma to her right hip, adopting a negative attitude from the beginning by refusing to undergo the required physical examination or imaging study for diagnosis." It adds that the patient was admitted to the International Medical Care area, where "she underwent the intake process with a change of clothing, and it was suggested that a urinary catheter be placed since mobilization was very painful for her, a catheter that she had during her stay and subsequent transfer to her country."

According to the statement, "X-rays are performed in the room with portable equipment, diagnosing a dislocated hip (NO FRACTURE). Complementary studies are proposed for a reduction surgery, which she refuses, stating that she does not accept the surgical intervention at our center and is supported by her family via phone." It also notes that "she did not accept the necessary fasting period, which prevented her from being taken to the operating room on February 8, 2025; during this period, pain relievers were administered."

The statement emphasizes that on February 9, after agreeing to "comply with the necessary guidelines for a safe procedure," she was taken to the operating room where "reduction under general anesthesia was performed, without the need for a surgical incision; it turned out to be a quick 15-minute procedure with a favorable recovery."

On February 10, at 2:00 p.m., she was transported by ambulance to "Frank País García" International Airport, from where she was evacuated to Canada without, according to the statement, "any bureaucratic processes involved."

Family edition

The family of Sylvie Beauchesne, on their part, had reported a different version. According to statements to the Canadian press, the patient had spent nearly 48 hours in "concerning" conditions, unable to communicate properly with the medical staff and facing difficulties regarding her repatriation.

Her daughter, Marika Sirois, reported on social media that her mother "did not understand what they were saying to her," which complicated her stay in the hospital. She also noted that her mother was medicated several times without explanations about the drugs administered and that the food provided was insufficient, sometimes consisting of "two slices of tomato per meal."

According to her family, the medical evacuation was delayed due to communication issues and procedures with the insurance company, extending the tourist's stay in Holguín. Finally, on the afternoon of February 10, she was transferred to Montreal on a medical flight, from where she would be taken to Trois-Rivières for specialized treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Care for Tourists in Cuba