‘I want people to be warned’: son forced to remove tubes from father’s septic body after death in Bali hospital | Australian foreign policy

A son’s desperate attempts to secure medical care for his father in Bali ended in tragedy and a harrowing ordeal, revealing potential failures in emergency consular assistance and raising questions about medical standards in some Indonesian hospitals. Jake Harvey recounts being forced to disconnect life support from his father, Wayne, after being told he had just two hours to remove his body from intensive care at the Puri Raharja hospital in Denpasar.

A Deteriorating Situation

Wayne Harvey, 69, died on January 7, 2023, after a rapid decline following an appendix removal. Jake believes his father succumbed to septicaemia resulting from a botched surgery. The hospital environment, according to Jake, was deeply concerning, with reports of unsanitary conditions, including stray cats in wards and surgeons moving between patients with bloodied sleeves. Jake himself slept for two nights under a thatched roof in the hospital’s courtyard.

Did You Know? Wayne Harvey’s death certificate listed the cause of death as “non-contagious illness.”

The Search for Assistance

As his father’s condition worsened, Jake contacted the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs’ 24-hour consular emergency centre on January 1, 2023, seeking help to transfer Wayne to the Prof Ngoerah public hospital, which was considered to meet Australian standards. The transfer was contingent on locating Wayne’s passport, which was missing. Despite repeated pleas, Jake alleges the consulate offered limited assistance, citing privacy concerns and providing only a link to general travel information for Indonesia.

Jake sent multiple follow-up emails, including a “distressing” video and photos of his father, but received no response. The Australian consulate, located a 15-minute drive from the hospital, never visited Wayne. By the time the passport was found on January 5, it was too late to move him.

A Traumatic Aftermath

Following Wayne’s death, Jake was left to manage the logistical and emotional fallout. He describes the horrific experience of having to manually remove his father’s medical tubes – a catheter and a tube from his throat – after being instructed to do so by hospital staff. He and a friend then carried his father’s body to a waiting ambulance. The cremation process was also deeply disturbing, with Jake witnessing the remains being broken apart.

Expert Insight: The case highlights the potential vulnerabilities faced by travelers when accessing healthcare in foreign countries, and the critical role consular services play in navigating these challenges. The limitations in assistance, as described by Jake Harvey, raise questions about the balance between privacy regulations and the duty of care owed to citizens abroad.

Delayed Response and Apology

Jake lodged a complaint with the Department of Foreign Affairs on January 9, 2023, expressing his frustration with the lack of support. It wasn’t until October 2025, over two years later, that he received a response, including an internal review and an apology. The department acknowledged it “did not initially have a clear understanding of the seriousness of his condition” and that communication could have been improved. However, the review concluded that the case was managed in line with established procedures and that the issues were not related to the medical outcome.

What Might Happen Next

The incident could prompt further scrutiny of consular assistance protocols for Australians travelling abroad. The Department of Foreign Affairs may review its procedures for assessing the urgency of medical cases and for communicating with families during emergencies. Further investigations into the standards of care at the Puri Raharja hospital are also possible, though unlikely without further evidence. The case may also encourage travelers to thoroughly research medical facilities and travel insurance options before visiting Bali or other destinations with varying healthcare standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the conditions like at the Puri Raharja hospital?

Jake Harvey described the hospital as shockingly unhygienic, noting stray cats defecating in wards and a surgeon with bloodied sleeves moving between patients. He also slept for two nights under a thatched roof in the hospital’s courtyard.

What did Jake Harvey request from the Australian consulate?

Jake Harvey requested assistance in transferring his father, Wayne, to the Prof Ngoerah public hospital, which met Australian standards. He needed help locating Wayne’s passport to facilitate the transfer.

How did the Department of Foreign Affairs respond to Jake Harvey’s complaint?

The department issued an apology in October 2025, over two years after the initial complaint, stating they “did not initially have a clear understanding of the seriousness of his condition.” They maintained the case was managed in line with established procedures.

What level of support should travelers expect from their consulates when facing medical emergencies abroad?