Patrick Manning in stable condition at San Fernando hospital

(Trinidad Guardian) Former prime minister Patrick Manning has been taken out of the High Dependency Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital as his condition slowly improves. Up to late on Friday, he remained warded in a stable condition at the Recovery Unit in the new wing of the hospital. Manning’s son David, who visited him around noon, said his father was conscious and in high spirits. However, David said as a precaution only relatives were allowed to visit.

“My father is expected to be discharged soon. My mother (Hazel Manning) is there with him and only members of the family will be allowed to see him. He is in a good mood. He had a seizure and that was why he was taken to hospital,” he said. Chairman of the South West Regional Health Authority Dr Lackram Bodoe said Manning spent a comfortable night at the hospital.

“Right now his condition is stable…He will be reviewed by team of doctors today before we can decide further treatment,” Bodoe said. A statement released by Manning’s family yesterday said all tests done on him were favourable. “He was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital where investigations are continuing to determine the cause of the seizure. Tests conducted last night (Thursday) have all returned normal results. Mr Manning has been kept for observation and will return home soon. We wish to thank the national community for the continued prayer and support during this time,” the statement said.

Manning suffered a seizure while recuperating at his Sumadh Gardens, Vistabella, home around 6.30 pm on Thursday. He was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital by a Fire Service ambulance. He has been recuperating after suffering a cerebral embolism (stroke) on January 23 this year. He spent a few days at the San Fernando General Hospital and was then flown to Washington DC, USA, for further treatment.