Newtownabbey coronavirus survivor supported by NI Chest Heart & Stroke

A prominent solicitor from Glengormley, who spent weeks on a ventilator after contracting the coronavirus, has received support from The Covid-19 Recovery Service, which has been set up by NI Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS).
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Jul 2020, 12:57 GMT
Niall Murphy.Niall Murphy.
Niall Murphy.

Niall Murphy is still recovering slowly at home, many weeks after being discharged from hospital, and is unable to return to full-time work.

The service will help survivors deal with the physical and psychological problems caused by the illness and will assist them in building up their lung and general health on the long road to recuperation.

NICHS has wide experience in providing support and self-help resources to people affected by lung, heart and stroke conditions.

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Commenting in the initiative, Mr Murphy said: “I was in a coma for 16 days and was given a 50/50 chance of pulling through.

“I’m only now fully appreciating the danger I was in, but my wife and family had to deal with it in real time. I have a long period of recovery ahead, but I’m improving slowly.

“I’m currently going through a breathing programme offered as part of Chest Heart and Stroke’s Covid recovery service and it has been a great support.”

Kerry Marsh, the charity’s respiratory co-ordinator in the Northern Trust area, added: “People are suffering the physical effects as well as the mental fallout of having been through such a trauma.

“A lot of the public focus has been on the virus itself, but there now needs to be a focus on the recovery and long-term effects for those who have survived the illness.

“Despite a massive drop in public donations, NICHS is pushing ahead with providing this important service because we feel passionately about supporting and saving local lives.”

Covid-19 survivors can be referred to the recovery service in the first instance by a medical professional, or you can self-refer by emailing [email protected]

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Related topics:NewtownabbeyStroke