Overcoming public hospital barriers in Milan
BMC h24 explains how its team bridged gaps in healthcare to provide safe, continuous, and timely assistance to a patient during a critical orthopaedic emergency in Milan, Italy
At 8:30pm on 30 April, BMC h24 was contacted to assist a senior executive who had sustained a traumatic fall, resulting in a left femoral fracture. The patient was immediately transferred to San Paolo Public Hospital in Milan – however, the hospital was unable to provide proper care. No beds were available, and no orthopaedic specialist could be reached overnight. Despite the severity of the injury, the patient faced the risk of remaining unattended.
Clinical assessment and urgent need
To obtain accurate clinical information and ensure the patient’s safety, BMC dispatched a nurse directly to the hospital. Upon arrival, they confirmed that the patient was haemodynamically stable, but urgently required admission, as remaining seated was impossible given the fracture. Without access to a bed, the risk of worsening discomfort and complications increased, underscoring the immediate need for intervention.
Private network activation
BMC quickly activated its private healthcare network to secure a clinic able to admit the patient, despite the challenges of late-night timing and an impending public holiday. While waiting for confirmation, BMC arranged an ambulance transfer to a nearby hotel, where the patient and the attending nurse could spend the night in safe, controlled conditions. The nurse remained by the patient’s side, guaranteeing continuous medical supervision and providing reassurance during the uncertain hours. This step exemplified the unique advantage of BMC’s personalised assistance model, which prioritises both medical oversight and patient comfort.
Hospital admission and treatment
At 8:00am on 1 May, despite the national holiday, BMC secured acceptance at Policlinico di Monza, a leading private facility. By issuing an immediate guarantee of payment, BMC ensured the patient’s swift admission. Upon arrival, the patient underwent diagnostic imaging and orthopaedic evaluation, which confirmed the necessity of urgent surgical intervention.
On 2 May, the patient underwent successful orthopaedic surgery to repair the fracture. Post-operatively, rehabilitation began immediately, reducing recovery time and minimising the risk of complications.
Outcome and added value
Through its rapid response and ability to bypass the constraints of the public hospital system, BMC guaranteed continuity of care during a period when resources were unavailable elsewhere. By providing bedside evaluation, constant nurse monitoring, and immediate relocation to a private clinic, BMC transformed what could have been a prolonged and distressing experience into a smooth, professionally managed care pathway.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates the vital role of specialised medical assistance companies in complementing public healthcare services. BMC’s intervention illustrates the benefits of:
• Timely on-site clinical assessment
• A robust private healthcare network able to respond even on national holidays
• Seamless coordination of logistics, medical supervision, and financial guarantees.
Ultimately, the patient received timely surgery, early rehabilitation, and uninterrupted medical attention. The successful outcome reaffirms BMC’s mission to safeguard patient dignity, comfort, and safety in every circumstance, while offering insurers and their clients the assurance of expert, 24/7 healthcare solutions.
Dr Antonio Magliocca is founder and leader of BMC h24 Travel Assistance.
BMC h24
For a decade, BMC has specialised in medical services for tourists, medical transportation, repatriation, and roadside assistance. With a multilingual 24/7 assistance center, it ensures rapid, efficient interventions across Italy and beyond.
October 2025
Issue
In this latest Assistance & Repatriation Review we explore how legal networks and insurers can help travellers who fall foul of the law while abroad. We look into the intricacies surrounding how medical transfers can be provided to pre-natal and neonatal patients, and examine the provision of medical care to patients who become ill on cruise ships.
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