Chiayi Christian Hospital
Last Update:2026-06-12
Turning an Unexpected Accident into a Story of Hope and Care
Traveling abroad is often an exciting journey filled with new experiences and unforgettable memories. However, for many international travelers, one of the greatest challenges is facing an unexpected illness or injury far from home. Beyond the physical pain, it can be especially overwhelming when language barriers, cultural differences, and uncertainty come into play.
In late March this year, Alena, a traveler from the Czech Republic, experienced an unexpected accident during her visit to Taiwan. What began as a distressing situation soon became a remarkable experience of professional medical care and genuine compassion at Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital (CYCH).
Alone in a Foreign Country
Following her injury on March 29, Alena was admitted to the hospital and required surgery. During her ten-day hospitalization, from March 29 to April 7, she faced the difficult experience of recovering in a foreign country without family or friends by her side.
Far from home and surrounded by an unfamiliar language and healthcare system, she understandably felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead.
Compassion Beyond Medical Treatment
Upon learning that Alena was hospitalized alone in Taiwan, CYCH's International Medical Center quickly coordinated with the clinical care team to provide comprehensive support throughout her stay.
Expert Orthopedic Care
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Shu-Hsin Yao performed the surgery and successfully stabilized her injury, helping to relieve her concerns and providing reassurance during a difficult time.
At the same time, orthopedic specialist Dr. Chun-Ho Chen communicated with Alena in fluent English, carefully explaining her diagnosis, treatment plan, and recovery process. His clear communication helped bridge the language gap and gave her confidence in her care.
Holistic Support and Human Connection
Medical treatment was only part of the care Alena received.
Director Chung-Kuang Chen of the Care Center, together with members of the International Medical Center team, regularly visited her during her hospitalization. Through simple conversations, encouragement, and companionship, they helped ease her loneliness and transformed her hospital stay into an experience filled with warmth and support.
What could have been an isolating experience became one where she felt genuinely cared for and welcomed.
“You Made Me Feel Safe and Cared For”
By the time Alena was discharged, the fear she initially felt had been replaced with gratitude and appreciation.
Before leaving the hospital, she wrote a heartfelt letter to express her thanks:
"Thank you for the wonderful care during my stay. You made me feel so safe and cared for. Your professionalism and humane care mean the world to me. God bless you all!"
Her words serve as a powerful reminder that healthcare is about more than treating injuries—it is about caring for people when they need it most.
Showcasing the Best of Taiwan's Healthcare
At CYCH, we believe that excellent healthcare combines professional expertise with compassionate care.
Through the collaborative efforts of our Orthopedic Department and International Medical Center, Alena not only received timely and effective medical treatment but also experienced the warmth, kindness, and patient-centered care that Taiwan's healthcare system is known for.
Her story reflects CYCH's commitment to providing high-quality healthcare for patients from around the world and demonstrates how compassion can transcend language, culture, and distance.
Because healing is not only about recovery—it is also about making every patient feel safe, supported, and cared for, no matter where they come from.