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Patient dies after 54 years in same Airdrie hospital | Patient dies after 54 years in same Airdrie hospital |
(about 11 hours later) | |
A former soldier thought to be the UK's longest-serving patient has died after spending 54 years at the same hospital. | A former soldier thought to be the UK's longest-serving patient has died after spending 54 years at the same hospital. |
James Morris was admitted to hospital with a broken leg in 1962 but never went home after suffering a cardiac arrest on the operating table. | James Morris was admitted to hospital with a broken leg in 1962 but never went home after suffering a cardiac arrest on the operating table. |
He was left in a vegetative state after the operation and was moved to Wester Moffat Hospital in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire. | He was left in a vegetative state after the operation and was moved to Wester Moffat Hospital in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire. |
The Army veteran, who could only say three words, died in April aged 75. | The Army veteran, who could only say three words, died in April aged 75. |
His brother Karl Morris, 62, said a member of staff from Wester Moffat had suggested that no-one had been in care in a single hospital longer than James, who was just 21 when he was admitted. | His brother Karl Morris, 62, said a member of staff from Wester Moffat had suggested that no-one had been in care in a single hospital longer than James, who was just 21 when he was admitted. |
Karl Morris, from Coatbridge, said: "Over the years we found a way to communicate with him. He was all there mentally but couldn't communicate with us at all. | Karl Morris, from Coatbridge, said: "Over the years we found a way to communicate with him. He was all there mentally but couldn't communicate with us at all. |
"He only ever learned how to say three words again - his three loves - 'home', 'pub' and 'horses'. | "He only ever learned how to say three words again - his three loves - 'home', 'pub' and 'horses'. |
"We often took him on holidays in Britain and the hospital knew how much he loved the pub so they would even take him there now and again." | "We often took him on holidays in Britain and the hospital knew how much he loved the pub so they would even take him there now and again." |
James Morris was serving in the Scottish Rifle regiment, the Cameronians, in Germany when he was injured in a car crash. | James Morris was serving in the Scottish Rifle regiment, the Cameronians, in Germany when he was injured in a car crash. |
He only broke his nose and thigh bone in the crash but part of his brain shut down during the operation on his thigh. | He only broke his nose and thigh bone in the crash but part of his brain shut down during the operation on his thigh. |
Helen Ryan, senior charge nurse at Wester Moffat, said: "Our condolences are with Jimmy's family at this time. | Helen Ryan, senior charge nurse at Wester Moffat, said: "Our condolences are with Jimmy's family at this time. |
"Having spent such an extraordinarily long time at the hospital, Jimmy touched the lives of many. He was a good confidant and a great character and he will be sorely missed by everyone at the Heather Ward." | "Having spent such an extraordinarily long time at the hospital, Jimmy touched the lives of many. He was a good confidant and a great character and he will be sorely missed by everyone at the Heather Ward." |
Wester Moffat Hospital confirmed Mr Morris had spent 54 years in their care after spending two years in other hospitals. | Wester Moffat Hospital confirmed Mr Morris had spent 54 years in their care after spending two years in other hospitals. |
'Outstanding' care | 'Outstanding' care |
An NHS spokesman said they were not aware of anyone having spent longer than 54 years in an NHS hospital. | An NHS spokesman said they were not aware of anyone having spent longer than 54 years in an NHS hospital. |
Karl Morris has praised the "unbelievable" staff at Wester Moffat for the care they gave his brother. | Karl Morris has praised the "unbelievable" staff at Wester Moffat for the care they gave his brother. |
He said: "Everyone at the hospital was outstanding, to care for a man throughout his entire life is quite something and we couldn't be more grateful to the NHS. | He said: "Everyone at the hospital was outstanding, to care for a man throughout his entire life is quite something and we couldn't be more grateful to the NHS. |
"It was a place for young disabled people and over the years I've seen countless patients and staff come and go. | "It was a place for young disabled people and over the years I've seen countless patients and staff come and go. |
"We made sure he got out over the years to live as fulfilling a life as possible and even right up to the week before he died we brought him home to visit." | "We made sure he got out over the years to live as fulfilling a life as possible and even right up to the week before he died we brought him home to visit." |
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