A Tory MP said he was “lucky to be alive” after undergoing “extreme surgery” for sepsis.
Craig Mackinlay told his South Thanet constituents: “I was diagnosed with sepsis and placed into an induced coma with multiple organ failures shortly after.”
The married father of one paid tribute to the staff who treated him.
He said: “Treatment by the NHS has been exemplary and I’m extremely lucky to be alive. I can’t thank my doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals enough for the care I’ve received.
“The road to recovery is under way, which has included some extreme surgery. I’m sure I’ll have lots more to say about the experience over the months ahead.
“For now, I’d like to send my heartfelt thanks to the many constituents who have sent their good wishes. I’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of friends and strangers. Thank you all.”
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the immune system overreacting to an infection and attacking the body’s own tissues and organs.
A month ago Mr Mackinlay said on X that he was recovering, prompting a flood of messages of support from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other Cabinet ministers
The letter informing his constituents yesterday was the first Mr Mackinlay has posted since September 25, which was three days before he was rushed to hospital.
The chartered accountant has been an MP since 2015 when he defeated Nigel Farage to win his Kent seat with a majority of around 10,000.
In 2019, he was cleared of breaking spending rules in his defeat of the former Ukip leader.
Mr Mackinlay later urged reform of “sketchy” electoral law.
His political career began with Ukip, which he briefly led in 1999.
