Manning out of intensive care; recovery will be slow

Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan consults with Manning's medical team

Former Prime Minister Patrick Manning is out of the intensive care unit and is in stable condition.

Family members and healthcare officials say they are confident Manning will leave hospital soon. However Health Minister Dr. Fuad Khan is not so sure. He told reporters Wednesday the recovery may take some time.

Manning has been moved to a High Dependency Ward at the San Fernando General Hospital.

Khan, who visited Manning briefly, said he had advised the Chairman of the SWRHA, Dr. Lackram Bodoe, to restrict visitors to ensure that Manning got the critical care he needed in the first 24 hours of suffering a stroke.

“He has gone through a lot. What is happening is he is able to at least smile,” Khan said.

Khan said Manning’s brain suffered an assault because of the stroke. However he confirmed that the CT scan showed no major areas of concern for doctors. “It is now resolving, based on the medication he is getting, so the swelling is decreasing and the pressure is under control,” the minister told reporters.

“You will find the neurons will start to function at this time, so you will get success as we go on slowly,” he explained.

Manning's medical team includes Dr Kanta Ramcharan, neurologist and specialist consultant in internal medicine; Dr Neil Bhagwandass, specialist in internal medicine who was on call when Manning went to the emergency department; and Dr Parvind Ramoutar, a cardiologist and internal medicine consultant.

Khan said strict visitors’ access remains in effect, with only close relatives being allowed at his bedside. This is to “allow the patient to recover, rest and allow the injections and treatment to kick in,” he explained.

Khan said he expects about 80 per cent recovery in the next three to four months. “He has started to swallow, which is an extremely good sign," he said.

The minister gave the assurance that Manning will be getting the best possible care at the hospital. “Whatever Mr Manning wants, Dr Bodoe and the SWRHA will be giving to him,” he said.

The hospital has put strict security measures in place to ensure protection of the former prime minister. An official at Manning's San Fernando East constituency office appealed to visitors to respect the wishes of the doctors.