[quote="thewitch"] This poor man, who presumably has been a taxpayer in the States, was abandoned totally by the US in his hour of need,

Spot on Helen,I have deliberatly not entered this posting,but you are right it is the persons country of residence who is responsible to see their safe passage home.I had a freind who was murdered in Saudi Arabia and his body was returned home to the hospital where I worked at the initial expense of the British Goverment.
Regarding medical care then unless a reciprical arrangement exist the country of residence can be billed,even in this country if I receive medical care outside my health area of residence,then the hospital where I receive that care can bill the primary health trust relating to my post code.
Still no doubt James has received the best of British care at Nobles which hopefully will go a long way towards him making a satisfactory recovery as believe me the American health care system is very much finance driven.
Good luck James ,family and friends