Doctors pleased with Manning’s progress

Former Prime Minister Patrick Manning has made such remarkable progress  since being warded at the San Fernando General Hospital last Monday night after suffering a stroke, that he may be discharged within a week. That will be welcome news to the San Fernando East MP who has been asking to go home, according to his wife, Hazel. Medical sources at the hospital, who are not part of the team of doctors managing the former prime minister’s case, said Manning’s progress was a positive indicator that he might be discharged soon. Yesterday, Dr Lackram Bodoe, chairman of the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA), said Manning continues to progress well.

“The medical team is reporting that his condition remains stable,” he said. “He is showing improvement in his speech and certain movement. “The treatment with the team of specialists, including physio-therapist, continues...He is in good spirits.” Manning is in the care of a medical team that includes Dr Kanta Ramcharan, neurologist and specialist consultant in internal medicine; Dr Neil Bhagwandass, specialist in internal medicine who was on call when Manning was brought into the hospital’s A&E Department; and Dr Parvind Ramoutar, a cardiologist and internal medicine consultant. Manning’s sister, Dr Petronella Manning-Alleyne, a medical doctor, said her brother’s stroke might have been caused by an artificial valve placed in his heart to save his life in early 2000 which could cause complications and clotting of the blood.

She said he suffered a cerebral vascular accident, caused by a clot in his heart  near where his valve replacement surgery had been done. Politicians from both sides have been wishing Manning a speedy recovery. On Friday, Manning had a special visitor, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves. An emotional Gonsalves told the media he was happy to share a private moment with his friend and wished him the best. PNM San Fernando East protocol officer Wendy Lewis indicated that a release from the family would be issued today at 6 pm. She added that Manning was resting comfortably.