Media Release: Greek Tourist Ioannis Vidiniotis heads home for long-term rehabilitation

Specialists in Western Australia have advised Greek tourist Ioannis (Giannis) Vidiniotis that, in the best interests of his long-term recovery and quality of life, he should return to Greece to begin long term rehabilitation. 

After extensive assessment and consultation, specialists have determined that Ioannis’s ongoing care and rehabilitation will be best managed in his home country, where a comprehensive life and rehabilitation plan can be put in place.  

This includes admission to an appropriate specialist rehabilitation hospital in Athens, as well as the necessary modification of his family home to ensure it meets his long-term mobility, care and rehabilitation needs. 

Medical teams have advised that being discharged in the country where Ioannis resides will allow for greater continuity of care, access to long-term rehabilitation services, and the support of immediate and extended family — all critical factors in achieving the best possible outcome following his injuries. 

Planning is now underway to ensure a safe and supported transfer back to Greece, with Australian and Greek medical professionals working closely to coordinate his ongoing care.  

This will involve specialist equipment and a nurse and doctor from Perth to accompany him on the flight back to Athens. 

Ioannis would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the fundraising effort so far.  

“I would like to firstly thank the Board of the Hellenic Community of Western Australia for their advocacy and support in helping me get the care I needed while hospitalised at Royal Perth Hospital.

To all the people who have wished me a speedy recovery and to everyone who has donated to the cause I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  

“I have been overwhelmed by the love and support from friends, family and strangers across the world and appreciate everyone’s kindness. 

“I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I am confident I have the will and strength coupled with God’s help, to overcome this hurdle that life has thrown at me.  

“I want to extend my gratitude for the generosity of the Hellenic Community of WA and to everyone who has shown me support. Going back to Greece will give me the best opportunity to get my life back together surrounded by family and friends.”  

Ioannis has been at Royal Perth Hospital since New Year’s Eve, following a tragic and unexpected swimming accident at Cottesloe Beach. While swimming with family in calm conditions, Ioannis sustained a severe neck injury after hitting a submerged sandbank.  

He was pulled from the water by family members and assisted by members of the public, surf lifesavers and paramedics before being transported to Royal Perth Hospital. 

Since the incident, Ioannis has undergone significant medical treatment and has spent weeks receiving intensive care and rehabilitation support at RPH.  

His injuries are life-changing, and his recovery journey is expected to be long and complex. 

The Vidiniotis family has expressed deep gratitude to the doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, paramedics and surf lifesavers, Board Members, staff and members from the Hellenic Community of WA and the global Greek diaspora for their overwhelming support. 

The CEO of the Hellenic Community of Western Australia, Paul Savvas said it was a genuine pleasure to help support Ioannis on his road to recovery.  

“Our team has worked hard behind the scenes to promote the fundraising effort for Ioannis which has now surpassed the target of 300-thousand dollars.  

“This will support the family’s current and ongoing medical bills, rehabilitation and repatriation.  

“The Hellenic Community of Western Australia has built its foundations on faith, philanthropic and benevolent causes, and is a community that always comes together in times of crisis or in need to support one of its own.” 

Ioannis and his mother are expected to fly back to Athens within the next two weeks once the appropriate medical plan in Greece has been put in place. 

-ENDS- 

Media Contact:

Peter Kapsanis
Ethos Media and Communications
0428 293 400
peter@ethoscommunications.com.au