PHUKET, THAILAND – Doctors in Phuket issued an urgent appeal for rare blood to save the life of a long-term British resident after a serious road accident.
Horror crash leaves British resident fighting for life
A dramatic plea went out from the island after Philip Rogers, 67, a British national who had lived and worked in Thailand for more than 20 years, was severely injured in a road accident last week. He had been badly hurt on the streets of Phuket and had since been fighting for his life at Vachira Phuket Hospital.
A critical operation was now pending, with two surgeons already on standby. However, the procedure could not begin because one essential element was missing: blood.
Doctors said the patient needed five units of an extremely rare blood type. Without these donations, they were unable to carry out the life-saving surgery.
Why his blood is so hard to match
Rogers had blood group A, but that alone was not sufficient for a safe transfusion. His body produced so-called Anti-Duffy A (Anti-Fya) antibodies, meaning he required red blood cells of group A that were Duffy A antigen-negative (Fya-negative) and fully compatible in cross-matching tests.
This rare combination turned the search for blood into what staff described as a needle-in-a-haystack effort. Hospital teams had already tested 40 units of group A blood from the blood bank.
All of those units were found to be unsuitable for the patient. The absence of a match left the medical team unable to proceed with the operation.
Hospital sounds the alarm
Staff at Vachira Phuket Hospital said they were running out of options.
“We do not have suitable blood for this patient. Without a donation, we cannot operate,”
said a hospital spokesperson.
The hospital therefore issued an urgent public appeal, seeking donors with blood group A who might be Fya-negative. The call targeted anyone on the island or nearby who could potentially meet these rare criteria.
Everyone who could help was asked to come forward immediately, as time had become the greatest enemy in what doctors described as a life-threatening situation. The hospital stressed that any delay reduced the chances of a successful operation.
How potential donors can help
People willing to assist were urged to contact the International Department of Vachira Phuket Hospital directly. The hospital named nurse Methavee Maneesri as the main contact person for the appeal.
She could be reached by telephone on 076-361236 or via the hotline 098-1025455, and also by email at [email protected]. Hospital staff stood ready to coordinate potential donors as quickly as possible.
Every call, they said, could potentially save a life. Possible donors would be tested at the hospital to determine whether their blood was compatible with the patient’s specific requirements.
Two decades in Thailand, now he needs help
Rogers was described as no tourist but a man who had built his life on Phuket over more than two decades. He had lived and worked on the island, formed friendships and established a long-term home there.
Now, in what doctors called his moment of greatest need, he depended on support from the community he had belonged to for so many years. His situation was portrayed as a deeply moving fate that resonated with many residents.
Friends and acquaintances were already sharing the appeal across social media channels. Their hope was that a suitable donor would be found, and found quickly enough to allow the surgery to proceed.
Every minute counts in the operating room
Medical teams said they were fully prepared to operate as soon as the right blood was available. The operating theatre had been reserved, and two surgeons were waiting for the signal to begin.
Without the appropriate blood, however, the operating table remained empty.
“We are really asking everyone who has blood group A and can help to get tested. This is about a human life,”
appealed the hospital team.
Anyone on Phuket, or anyone who knew someone who might be able to help, was urged to pass on the appeal. Staff emphasised that every single contact and every shared message could be the key to securing the blood Rogers needed to survive.