Doctors were brilliant, says meningitis battler

A YOUNG nursery nurse has told of her survival after she contracted meningitis.

Rachael Phillips, aged 23, from Farnworth, was in a coma for a week and doctors feared she might not survive.

But yesterday, two-and-a-half weeks after she was admitted to hospital, Ms Phillips was discharged and is expected to make a full recovery.

In the wake of the investigation about coding “discrepancies” regarding septicaemia at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, the hospital put forward Ms Phillips’ case as a good example of a patient who had suffered from sepsis — and survived.

Ms Phillips had been ill with sickness and diarrhoea for a few days when she was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital’s A&E department after developing a rash.

She was suffering from meningococcal septicaemia, a potentially fatal form of meningitis.

Ms Phillips was in a coma for a week in intensive care. She said: “I feel really lucky. I think anyone who has had meningitis is lucky to be alive.

“The doctors have been absolutely brilliant with me, as have all the people who have helped me.”

Ms Phillips has been to thank the nursing staff in intensive care for looking after her and says she would recommend her treatment at the hospital.

Comments (6)

11:33am Thu 7 Mar 13

Andy Hopkinson says...

Everyone at the Meningitis Trust wishes Rachael Phillips well and hopes that she continues to make a good recovery from meningitis.

Her story indicates the importance of recognising the signs of the disease and seeking prompt medical attention. This is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.

We would urge everyone in the area to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease and carry one of our cards or download our free mobile phone app. Anyone who is concerned about their own, or someone else’s health, should seek medical attention immediately.

If anyone is worried or requires information on our free support or on symptoms, please visit www.meningitis-trust
.org or call our Freephone nurse-led helpline on 0808 80 10 388 any time of day. To download our free mobile symptoms apps visit www.meningitisapp.co
.uk.
Everyone at the Meningitis Trust wishes Rachael Phillips well and hopes that she continues to make a good recovery from meningitis. Her story indicates the importance of recognising the signs of the disease and seeking prompt medical attention. This is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. We would urge everyone in the area to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease and carry one of our cards or download our free mobile phone app. Anyone who is concerned about their own, or someone else’s health, should seek medical attention immediately. If anyone is worried or requires information on our free support or on symptoms, please visit www.meningitis-trust .org or call our Freephone nurse-led helpline on 0808 80 10 388 any time of day. To download our free mobile symptoms apps visit www.meningitisapp.co .uk. Andy Hopkinson

12:49pm Thu 7 Mar 13

boltoncity says...

i totally agree with Rachael , the staff all are brilliant .. great news
i totally agree with Rachael , the staff all are brilliant .. great news boltoncity

4:47pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Hallam says...

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at Bolton last May. Since then I've had major surgery and chemotherapy at the hospital. The staff at the Breast Unit, on the ward and at the Churchill Oncology Unit have been fantastic. They do such a difficult job, dealing with peope like me and my family when we are at our most scared and vulnerable.

There are so many negative articles about the hospital at the moment I just wanted to remind people that there is another side to the coin.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at Bolton last May. Since then I've had major surgery and chemotherapy at the hospital. The staff at the Breast Unit, on the ward and at the Churchill Oncology Unit have been fantastic. They do such a difficult job, dealing with peope like me and my family when we are at our most scared and vulnerable. There are so many negative articles about the hospital at the moment I just wanted to remind people that there is another side to the coin. Hallam

10:42pm Thu 7 Mar 13

boltonnut says...

Great news for Ms. Phillips,god luv ya.That make the score 800 to the negative 1 to the positive.
Great news for Ms. Phillips,god luv ya.That make the score 800 to the negative 1 to the positive. boltonnut

11:20pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Horwich Observer says...

The quick thinking staff in A & E saved my life too when I had Meningitis. The Hospital gets too much bad press. Most of the staff do a great job under difficult circumstances.
The quick thinking staff in A & E saved my life too when I had Meningitis. The Hospital gets too much bad press. Most of the staff do a great job under difficult circumstances. Horwich Observer

10:49am Mon 11 Mar 13

Helpline says...

All at Meningitis Research Foundation are really pleased to hear that Rachael has made such a good recovery from this terrible disease thanks to the care she received at the Royal Bolton Hospital. We wish her and her family all the best as she continues her recovery.
If anyone has any questions about meningitis and septicaemia and their after effects please contact us on the freefone helpline 080 8800 3344 or visit our website www.meningitis.org
All at Meningitis Research Foundation are really pleased to hear that Rachael has made such a good recovery from this terrible disease thanks to the care she received at the Royal Bolton Hospital. We wish her and her family all the best as she continues her recovery. If anyone has any questions about meningitis and septicaemia and their after effects please contact us on the freefone helpline 080 8800 3344 or visit our website www.meningitis.org Helpline

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