. . . warded at San Fernando Hospital
TRINIDAD EXPRESS – It was Hazel Manning who noticed that her husband, Patrick Manning, did not appear well, and called a doctor for advice late Monday night.
The former Prime Minister and People’s National Movement Member of Parliament for San Fernando East was unable to stand, and his speech was slurred.
The doctor advised that the Mannings seek emergency treatment.
Manning was taken by ambulance from his home at Sumadh Gardens, Vistabella, San Fernando, and arrived at the San Fernando General Hospital at around 10 p.m.
Hazel Manning spoke with the media at around 3 a.m. yesterday at the hospital.
She said the treatment given her husband was professional, and asked that the nation pray for him. Chairman of the Southwest Regional Health Authority Dr Lackram Bodoe also came to the hospital, and doctors specialising in neurology, were called out to examine Manning who is being treated for symptoms consistent with a stroke.
Manning was yesterday morning being treated at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital.
Security has been heightened, and only family members are being allowed to see him.
Visiting the hospital overnight were long time Manning colleagues Joan Yuille Williams, and Gary Hunt, along with Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma.
Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley issued a statement on the Facebook page of the Opposition Leader.
He stated: “I am saddened at the news that former Political Leader of the PNM and Prime Minister Mr. Patrick Manning, Member of Parliament for San Fernando East, has been hospitalised. The news came as a complete surprise since only as recently as Friday last we were discussing matters of health and Mr. Manning was …in good spirits and spoke positively of his fitness, diet and exercise regime.
“At this time of great stress and serious concern we stand with the Manning family and call upon the party and the entire national community to pray for a speedy and complete recovery for a man who has given forty unbroken years of sterling service to our nation and the region.
“On my own behalf and that of my family, the PNM particularly the constituency of Diego Martin West, we join the rest of the nation in expressing our deep concern and positive expectations that all would be well, that Mr Manning will soon return to the active life he knew and loved.”
Political Leader of the Congress of the People Prakash Ramadhar has also issued a statement.
He stated: “Our solemn prayers go out to former Prime Minister, Patrick Manning, Member of Parliament for San Fernando East and hope he recovers fully from his latest medical challenge.
Mr. Manning is one of our nation’s most experienced Parliamentarians who has served his constituents and country with great determination and sacrifice”. – reporting by Trevor Watson
A stroke is defined as the sudden death of some brain cells due to a lack of oxygen when the blood flow to the brain is impaired by blockage or rupture of an artery to the brain.
The most common symptom is weakness or paralysis of one side of the body with partial or complete loss of voluntary movement or sensation in a leg or arm. There can be speech problems and weak face muscles.