Touching moment ‘the bionic MP’ Craig Mackinlay who lost hands & feet during sepsis battle gets standing ovation
BIONIC MP Craig Mackinlay received a standing ovation as he walked into the Commons chamber for the first time in months yesterday.
After contracting sepsis in September last year, the 57-year-old was rushed to hospital and put into a 16-day induced coma.
His wife was told he only had a five per cent chance of survival.
But Mr Mackinlay made a stunning recovery after having both his legs and arms amputated.
At PMQs the MP for South Thanet said: “This is an emotional day for me.
“I have got trainers on because my shoes wouldn’t go over the plastic feet and my jacket wouldn’t go over the bionic arm, so apologies for that.”
He added: “I would like to thank is the Prime Minister, who has been with me throughout.
“He hasn’t advertised it, he has been to see me multiple times, and to me that shows the true depth of the character of the Prime Minister and thank you for that.”
Mr Mackinlay called on Mr Sunak to “ensure that we embed recognition of early signs of sepsis”.
In the chamber the PM responded: “It is so wonderful to hear from him.
“Without getting into all the details I will just say that he is right, the NHS itself has recognised this morning that more needs to be done, and I can assure him that we will do that.”
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
SEPSIS is a life-threatening reaction to an infection that happens when your immune system overreacts and starts to damage your body’s own tissues and organs.
Symptoms of sepsis in an adult include:
- Acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
- Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
- Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
Symptoms in a child include:
- Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
- Difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast
- A weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their normal cry
- Not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
- Being sleepier than normal or having difficulty waking
They may not have all these symptoms.
If you think you or someone else has symptoms of sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E.
Source: NHS