Fermanagh councillor hospitalised with meningitis discharged

Garbhan McPhillips, an SDLP Councillor for Erne East since 2016, was admitted to South West Acute Hospital on Sunday last, after taking ill with meningitis. 

Having initially been on a ventilator, the 37 year old has since made "steady improvement" in recent days.

He is now out of hospital and recovering at home, much to the relief of wife, Claire and children Aurora (6) and Thomas (4).

His father, Richie McPhillips, said his son's improvement shows the power of "medicine and prayers".

"It's a testament that you can't do without both medicine and prayers," he said. "Thank the Lord he is as good as is. 

"Garbhan has been steadily improving and although he still has a few issues to sort out, he is in good shape. 

"Naturally, he is longing to see the kids, as he hasn't seen them since Sunday week. He will be happy to get out after so long."

Mr. McPhillips paid tribute to both healthcare staff at the South West Acute, and the local community who kept his son in their "thoughts and prayers".

"Thanks must go to the staff at SWAH who have provided him the best care he could ask for," he said.

"Thanks also to all the people for their best wishes. Heaven was stormed last week with people thinking about him, and praying for his speedy recovery."

Mr. McPhillips has also reiterated the importance of acting fast in suspected cases of meningitis.

He explained that his son began to feel unwell when returning from a family trip from Donegal, and suspecting he had the early signs of flu, he went straight to his bed when he arrived home in Lisnaskea.

However, the councillor's condition worsened, and alarm bells were sounded when he discovered rash on his arms and chest, along with an already high temperature.

An ambulance was called and he was admitted to ICU. 

“The message we want to get across is for people not to hang about and to act quickly," Mr McPhillips added.

"When it comes to  meningitis, minutes can mean so much.”