'They saved my life': Business Minister Richard Lochhead thanks medics after sepsis battle

Scottish Government Business Minister Richard Lochhead has thanked the medics who saved his life after being rushed for emergency heart surgery.

Last month Lochhead's office said he was recovering in intense care after "major surgery".

Now the Moray MSP has thanked the medics who cared for him after sepsis left him requiring an emergency heart operation.

Lochhead said: "It’s difficult to find the words to adequately express my gratitude and admiration for the NHS.  For my consultant who operated on me and the many doctors, nurses and so many other staff who cared for me during my time in hospital. Their kindness, patience, compassion and professionalism blew me away and I will forever be grateful. They saved my life."

Lochhead was admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after an initial admission to Dr Gray's in Elgin.

He said: "In early May I thought I had the flu after developing fever-like symptoms. However, after a week I collapsed and couldn’t move. I was admitted to hospital where I was diagnosed with sepsis and underwent emergency heart surgery as a result of the infection in my blood.

"I am now back home for a further period of recuperation and am expected to make a a gradual and full recovery."

In a Facebook post, he told followers: "As an elected representative, I often engage with the NHS and related debates and issues. I had never been seriously ill before but I have now experienced the NHS up close and over my six weeks in hospital I learnt so much and it was humbling.

"I also want to express my heartfelt thanks my family and friends for their love and support throughout and everyone who sent me messages and cards that meant so much to me.

"My outstanding constituency office team have continued to serve my constituents and process our casework. I honestly couldn’t ask for a better team and thank them for their dedication and hard work in my absence.

"It’s great to be back home and I feel lucky to be here. I now have six weeks of rehabilitation ahead of me and I look forward to returning to my constituency and ministerial duties in due course and enjoying life to the full."