Don't be afraid to call 999 during lockdown, says Doncaster man after wife's blood clot drama

A Doncaster man has urged people not to be afraid to call 999 during the coronavirus lockdown after his wife suffered a massive blood clot on her brain.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

When his wife Anita fell ill at home over Easter, Michael Cowburn called 999, suspecting that his wife may have had a stroke as her speech had become slurred and she was unable to move the right-hand side of her body.

Paramedics arrived and took Anita to Doncaster Royal Infirmary for emergency treatment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A brain scan revealed Anita had a large blood clot, which was treated with medication in a 23 minute window. Thanks to Michael calling 999, Anita has now recovered and is back home.

Michael and Anita Cowburn.Michael and Anita Cowburn.
Michael and Anita Cowburn.

Michael said: “I initially felt a bit of trepidation about making that 999 call.

“I didn't want to put my wife at risk by unnecessarily taking her to hospital during a highly contagious outbreak but I weighed up the alternatives and knew that it needed to be done.

“If others find themselves in the same position, I would encourage them not to hesitate in contacting the emergency services.

“My heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in Anita's care.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dr Dinesh Chadha, stroke consultant at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), said: 'Whilst it is completely understandable that everyone is trying to follow governmental guidance and practice social distancing, there are some conditions that require hospital attention.

“We want everyone to be assured that we are taking all necessary steps to protect our patients from COVID-19.

“Please, if it is an emergency, call 999.”