Elsie flies home for neonatal care after being born at 28 weeks in Corfu

University of Ioannina General Hospital, Greece > Salisbury General Hospital, UK

1,875 miles

Elsie was born at just 28 weeks, more than three months early, while her parents were on holiday on the Greek island of Corfu. As the island has no neonatal care provision, she was urgently airlifted to the University Hospital of Ioannina on the Greek mainland for specialist intensive care.

While the team in Greece stabilised her condition, it became clear that for the best long-term outcome, Elsie needed to return to the UK. But after more than two months far from home, her parents, Jo and Kyle, were physically and emotionally drained. They had no idea how to get their fragile newborn back safely.

That’s when Lia’s Wings stepped in, providing not just transport, but the emotional and practical support the family desperately needed. We took over every aspect of the process, coordinating complex medical clearances, organising travel documentation, and arranging all the logistics of a medical repatriation so Jo and Kyle could focus entirely on Elsie.

Kyle, Elsie’s dad, shared:

"The support we received from the first phone call to the aftercare felt so personal. It’s not just a job to them, they really care about us as parents and our baby. They clearly love what they do and are so passionate. We couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you so, so much.”

When we connected with the family, they revealed something heartbreaking: in all that time, they had never been able to hold their baby. She had remained in an incubator, out of reach. As part of the preparation for repatriation, our team worked closely with the hospital in Greece to ensure that Jo and Kyle could hold Elsie for the first time - a special and emotional milestone that took place the day before the flight.

Sanjeev and Josie from our neonatal flight team with baby Elsie and her parents, Kyle and Jo.

We then arranged for two of our neonatal flight nurses, Sanjeev and Josie, to travel to Greece and accompany the family home. Because Elsie was stable and progressing well, we were able to use a medical escort flight, which allowed for a faster return. During the journey, Sanjeev and Josie monitored Elsie’s condition and supported Jo and Kyle with feeding and caring for their daughter, helping to build confidence in those early hands-on moments.

Baby Elsie, Kyle and Jo on their flight home.

Jo, Elsie’s mum, reflected:

“After a challenging time abroad, the thought of navigating the complexities of returning with a neonatal baby felt impossible. From our very first contact, Lia’s Wings was a beacon of hope. Their team was not only incredibly efficient and professional but also deeply compassionate. They handled every detail with meticulous care, from the necessary paperwork for the three of us to ensuring our travel arrangements were seamless.”

“Their expertise in premature repatriation was particularly reassuring. They clearly understood the emotional time we had all been through in the nine weeks we were stuck in Greece.”

When the family touched down in the UK, they were finally able to breathe. We arranged for a smooth transfer into NHS care at Salisbury General Hospital, where Elsie could continue her recovery, surrounded by loved ones and supported by her local care team.

Now back within the NHS, the neonatal team caring for her could begin planning for her long-term needs - something that wasn’t possible while she remained abroad.

Back under NHS care at Salisbury General Hospital, where Kyle and Jo could be more involved in Elsie's care.

Jo added:

“The relief we felt when we finally touched down on British soil, all of us together and safe, is immeasurable. Lia’s Wings didn’t just provide a service; they provided peace of mind and made what seemed like an impossible journey smooth and stress-free. We are eternally grateful for their dedication and unwavering support."

After five days of neonatal care at Salisbury General Hospital, where Kyle and Jo were actively involved in every aspect of Elsie’s care, the family was able to go home feeling confident and prepared. Lia’s Wings made this possible, ensuring the best outcome for Kyle, Jo, and baby Elsie as they began their journey as a family of three.

Elsie being discharged home just 5 days after landing on UK soil.

Jo continues:

“If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need repatriation assistance with a neonatal baby, look no further than Lia’s Wings – they are truly exceptional, professional and sympathetic! Thank you, Team Lia's Wings.

“Thank you so, so much for everything you have done. This would have never been possible without all of you! You have massively changed our lives, and we will always be so thankful!”