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Moray MSP Richard Lochhead thanks NHS staff for saving his life after emergency heart surgery for serious blood infection





RICHARD Lochhead has thanked medical staff for saving his life after undergoing emergency heart surgery last month due to a serious blood infection.

MSP Richard Lochhead was discharged from hospital over the weekend. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
MSP Richard Lochhead was discharged from hospital over the weekend. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

The Moray MSP initially believed he had the flu after developing a fever in early May.

But his condition quickly deteriorated and within a week he had collapsed and could not move.

He was initially admitted to Dr Gray’s in Elgin but was then transferred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for the major operation after being diagnosed with sepsis.

Mr Lochhead has now been discharged from hospital after six weeks of “outstanding care” and the MSP has given his thanks to NHS staff for getting him through the harrowing ordeal.

He said: “It’s difficult to find the words to adequately express my gratitude and admiration for the NHS.

“For my consultant who operated on me and the many doctors, nurses and so many other staff who cared for me during my time in hospital.

“Their kindness, patience, compassion and professionalism blew me away and I will forever be grateful.

“They saved my life.”

Mr Lochhead says he will now recuperate at home and is expected to make a full but “gradual” recovery.

He added that it was “humbling” to witness the day-to-day work of staff at the hospital having never been seriously ill before.

He also thanked his staff who served his constituents in his absence.

“It’s great to be back home and I feel lucky to be here,” he said.

“I now have six weeks of rehabilitation ahead of me and I look forward to returning to my constituency and ministerial duties in due course and enjoying life to the full.”


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