Broadcaster Richard Bacon has paid a glowing tribute to Lewisham hospital, and the NHS, after being taken ill while on a flight to the UK from America.
Bacon said on Twitter that he “nearly died” after being rushed to the South East London hospital on July 5 with what he has described as an “unidentified double chest infection.”
The television and radio presenter said that he was placed into a medically induced coma just 90 minutes after first arriving and now remains in hospital where he is recovering.
Bacon praised the treatment he received while at Lewisham Hospital: “I didn’t die because I’m on the NHS”. Bacon also acknowledged that not everyone in the world had the privilege of universal health care, and pointed to America where he now lived, as an example: “Fuck all the ideology driven politicians who’ve messed up America’s healthcare system.”
Thank God I got ill in Britain (actually on the way to Britain, was taken off the plane in a wheelchair). Fuck all the ideology driven politicians who’ve messed up America’s healthcare system. Viva the NHS. Happy 70th. pic.twitter.com/ABEhSZXiRK
— richard bacon (@richardpbacon) 5 July 2018
Fans have tweeted their support for both Bacon and the NHS.
get well soon! God bless the NHS.
— Ellen Rose (@icklenellierose) 5 July 2018
So sorry to hear you’re unwell! Glad you’re back inside the NHS.
— Dr. Ron Daniels BEM (@SepsisUK) 13 July 2018
Pleased to see you’re in safe hands, Richard. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
— David Wooding (@DavidWooding) 13 July 2018
In recent years Lewisham Hospital has been in turmoil after the now Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Jeremy Hunt attempted to close down Lewisham’s accident and emergency unit while serving as Health Secretary.
Local outrage prompted the SaveLewishamHospital campaign, which gained widespread support and the decision was eventually overturned when the Court of Appeal ruled that Hunt did not have the power to enforce cuts at Lewisham Hospital.
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, who run Lewisham Hospital, tweeted their thanks to Bacon:
Thanks for the kind words: we are so proud of our staff. Everyone is delighted you are recovering.
— LG NHS Trust (@LG_NHS) 16 July 2018