SDLP representative for Erne East, Garbhan McPhillips, self-presented at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) on Monday morning after falling ill the previous day.
The 37-year-old’s condition quickly deteriorated and he remains in intensive care on a ventilator.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph on Tuesday night, his father, former SDLP MLA Richie McPhillips, said there has been “no real change” in his son’s condition.
“Please God, he will make a full recovery, we are hoping for positive signs over the next couple of days,” he added.
“But he’s a very sick man at the moment.”
Garbhan began to feel unwell on Sunday while returning from an overnight stay in Donegal with his wife Claire and children Aurora (6) and Thomas (4).
“He thought he was getting a flu because he was very shivery,” his dad explained.
“He’s a big Man United fan, but he didn’t even bother watching them play on Sunday and instead went straight to bed when got back home to Lisnaskea.
“He got worse throughout the night and developed a temperature, then started vomiting and broke out in a rash on his arms and chest.
“At about 6am he said to Claire, ‘I think I have meningitis’ and she did the glass test – they knew he had to go straight to hospital.”
Garbhan initially asked his spouse to call an ambulance, but she decided to drive him straight to SWAH.
“He knew he was in bad shape, because for Garbhan to say the like of that, he would have to be in bad shape,” his dad said.
“It is not the ideal situation for us, but it is the ideal situation for him because it is now giving his body the ideal situation to recover.”
Mr McPhillips praised the work of medics at SWAH for going beyond the call of duty.
“The amount of work they did yesterday, it was tremendous, and we are really pleased with what they have done,” he said.
“Please God he’s on the road to recovery because it was got early.
“The doctors are doing fantastic work, but it’s a waiting game now.”
Garbhan’s family have been taking comfort from the outpouring of support from across the community and the knowledge that so many people have been praying for a full recovery.
“We are indebted to so many people, the amount of candles that have been lit and the amount of prayers that have been said for him all over the country,” Mr McPhillips said.
“Claire and the children, they will be eternally grateful.”
Mr McPhillips stressed the importance of acting fast when it comes to meningitis.
“The message we want to get across is for people not to hang about and to act quickly because sometimes minutes can mean so much.
“I couldn’t compliment my daughter-in-law enough for acting the way she did and got him in.”
News Catch Up: Tuesday 23rd April 2024
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
