Covid patient returns to thank her Raigmore heroes
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A woman who was the fourth person hospitalised in the Highlands with Covid-19 has returned to Raigmore Hospital with a gift to thank staff.
Sarah MacDougall, a former assistant cook, was critically ill with the disease in April 2020 and, 32 months later, she is still battling long Covid.
She said: “When I went to drop the hamper off I saw my hero, consultant John Smith who works in ICU, and an anaesthetist.
“I was accompanied by my parents, Win and Padric MacDonald, as I couldn’t carry the hamper as it was full of Christmas goodies for all the staff in ICU.”
She said she was making a slow recovery, adding: “I suffer from PTSD, since being in hospital, and it’s hard to deal with anger and frustration that can come out of nowhere.
“My mobility is still poor. I have to wear a foot drop support and if I don’t wear it, I can’t walk properly.
“I also have to use a walking stick, a three-wheeled rollator, and I’ve now started using a mobility scooter as I’ve been left with severe nerve damage in my right foot from Covid.
“It’s been a rollercoaster of a ride and it still continues.”
The 45-year-old, who used to work at a care home, said it had been “life-changing” and she had gone from working full time to be going through the process of ill-health retirement.
She has since set up a Facebook group – Long Covid Highlanders – to offer support to others in Inverness and the Highlands and she currently attends a long Covid clinic in Dingwall.
“I would urge everyone to get vaccinated as I wouldn’t grudge this on anyone,” she said. “I’d also like to say a big thank you to all my family and friends for the continued support they give me.”
