A BOURNEMOUTH grandad trapped in Bali after a serious fall on holiday could return to Dorset later this week, his family say.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Bernard Read, 72, suffered a fractured femur, hip, shoulder and arm earlier this month after flying to meet his new granddaughter Lily.

He was initially treated at a private hospital before being moved to a public hospital. He is now recovering in Kuala Lumpur after being airlifted to Malaysia last week.

His health has since improved.

Mr Read’s wife Patricia has been by his side in hospital since he was hurt.

His sister-in-law, who doesn’t want to be named, told the Echo: “He’s improving.

“It’s absolutely wonderful. It’s such a weight off all of our minds.

“We’re hoping he’ll be at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital later this week if at all possible.”

Insurers Get Going Travel last week said Mr Read’s health was put at risk by the private hospital after doctors ‘delayed treatment for funding’.

A spokesperson from Emergency Assistance Facilities, on behalf of Get Going, said public hospitals are often the best place for treatment abroad.

“Our emergency assistance team have been liaising with the hospital and doing everything they can to ensure Mr Read gets the best possible treatment and care,” the spokesperson said.

“Public hospitals in many places are unquestionably the best place for people to receive emergency treatment.

“The fact that the initial treating hospital was prepared to put Mr Read’s health at risk by delaying treatment until such time that they had received funds demonstrates that they consider the financial position over their duty of care to treat a patient.”

Mr Read had travelled to Bali to see his son and grandchildren, who live in Australia.

He fell down some steps at his hotel.

In 2016, Mr Read had a quadruple bypass. He is also diabetic and walks with a stick.

His family said they feared he’d die if left in Bali.