A Border motorcycle rider seriously injured in Greece expects to return to Australia within days.
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Despite the hospital conditions being poor I can't fault the treatment by the doctors and nurses
- Andrew Houlihan
Andrew Houlihan has been in the University Regional General Hospital of Patras for more than a fortnight after crashing on the final day of the off-road Hellas Rally Raid.
Mr Houlihan’s injuries included a punctured lung, fractured sternum, fractured collarbone, severely fractured scapula, multiple broken ribs, broken right hand, broken nose and facial lacerations.
He said this week he would be flown to hospital in Melbourne for further treatment.
“Punctured lung is coming along very well and we are expecting to be cleared to fly in the next few days,” he told The Border Mail.
“The tube will be left in my chest so I can be transported to Melbourne quicker.
“They will asses my rib fractures and the other fractures in Melbourne to see if any further surgery is required.”
Mr Houlihan and his wife Katie, who is with him in Greece, own Houlihan’s Caravans & RV Centre in Albury.
A member of Albury Wodonga Motorcycle Club, Mr Houlihan was sitting 44th overall out of more than 200 competitors when the crash occurred on May 27.
It was his first attempt at the seven-day Hellas Rally Raid, which is held through the trails in the Greek mountains, and he was the only Australian entrant.
Motorcycle Life’s Steve McDowall said initial reports indicated the Border rider had taken a wrong turn and while making his way back collided with another bike, but a race official later confirmed otherwise to Mr Houlihan.
“He was in fact heading in the correct direction on the tight track and it was the other rider who was going the wrong way,” Mr McDowall said.
“The two riders collided head-on on a blind corner.
“Andrew was initially transported to a small hospital in Pyrgos for assessment, X-rays and to have the drain inserted into his chest.
“He was then transported to Patras University Hospital.”
Mr Houlihan praised the efforts of the hospital staff.
“Despite the hospital conditions being poor I can’t fault the treatment by the doctors and nurses,” he said.
“We are receiving great support from the race organisers and others in Greece, but really need to get to Melbourne ASAP for further treatment.”
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