When John Sinclair set off for Stobhill Hospital for what he thought was a routine appointment, he could never have imagined how the day would unfold.
The 64-year-old from Springburn was travelling by taxi to Stobhill when he suffered a cardiac arrest as it arrived at the hospital. Driver Charlie Matthews realised something was wrong and quickly raised the alarm, prompting hospital staff to rush outside to help.
Day Surgery nurses immediately began CPR in the taxi, while colleagues brought a defibrillator, medicines, fluids and other emergency equipment out from the hospital. In torrential rain and far from their usual clinical environment, teams worked together to save John’s life.
After four rounds of CPR and five shocks from the defibrillator, John’s circulation was successfully restored. He was transferred to the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital for specialist cardiac treatment and intensive care before continuing his recovery at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. He was able to return home on 9 September.
But there was an extraordinary twist to John’s story. His appointment wasn’t actually until the following day.
John’s daughter Donna later described his decision to go to Stobhill a day early as fate. Had he been at home when the cardiac arrest happened, she said, no one may have known.
After recovering, John returned to Stobhill with his family to meet and thank some of the people who had helped save his life.
John said: “I don’t remember what happened that morning, but I know just how lucky I am.
“Having the chance to come back to Stobhill and meet the people who helped save my life means so much to me and my family. I’ll never be able to thank them enough.”
Stobhill is an ambulatory care hospital and does not have an A&E. Instead, it has a stand-alone Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), alongside a wide range of planned and specialist services including Day Surgery, Endoscopy and Gynaecology. These services are accessed by appointment only or by calling NHS 24 on 111.
On this occasion, staff from across Stobhill found themselves responding to a completely unexpected medical emergency, working together to provide John with immediate life-saving care.
Dr David Macpherson, Consultant Anaesthetist, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “What happened that morning was completely unexpected, but staff didn’t hesitate. CPR was started immediately, equipment was brought outside and colleagues worked together in extremely challenging circumstances.
“The best part of this story is seeing John well again and welcoming him and his family back to Stobhill. For the team to meet the person whose life they helped save was incredibly special.”
Susan Groom, Interim Director for the North Sector, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “John’s story is an extraordinary example of our staff responding to a completely unexpected situation with skill, professionalism and compassion.
“We’re incredibly proud of everyone who stepped in to help at Stobhill that morning, as well as the teams involved in his ongoing care and recovery at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
“It’s wonderful to see John recovering so well and to have welcomed him and his family back to Stobhill to meet some of the people who helped save his life.”
