British COVID-19 patient now able to communicate

May 30, 2020 | 08:00

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The most critically ill COVID-19 patient in Vietnam is now able to make basic communication with doctors after his dosage of sedatives was reduced on May 27 evening, doctors have said.

british covid 19 patient now able to communicate

The British patient is treated at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA)

The 43-year-old pilot, who was named by the Scottish Daily Mail as Stephen Cameron, was connected to the Buddha Bar coronavirus cluster in Ho Chi Minh City's district 2.

Doctor Tran Thanh Linh, deputy head of HCM City-based Cho Ray Hospital’s intensive care unit, said after reducing doses of muscle relaxants and reducing sedatives, Cameron is now capable of performing simple gestures, while still on life support.

He was previously declared treated of the coronavirus on May 21 following many negative tests, but the disease has devastated his immune system and resulted in multiple organ failures.

His coughing has improved and he can move his fingers and toes, although breathing and limb weakness remain issues.

Cameron is no longer on kidney dialysis, however.

His lung functions have improved quite a bit compared to the worst moments during his treatment for the virus at the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, where he has been treated for COVID-19 since he was confirmed to be infected, but these improvements are not enough, doctors said.

Linh said in two days, the Cho Ray Hospital will hold consultations with the treatment sub-committee of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Control and Prevention to determine if it is okay to wean him off of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or stop the treatment altogether.

British Consul General in HCM City Ian Gibbons on May 21 sent a letter to HCM City’s leaders and medical staff to thank for their support for British nationals, especially the excellent care for Cameron.

VNA

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