SNP MP Amy Callaghan ‘stable’ after undergoing emergency surgery following a brain haemorrhage
Amy Callaghan is best known for then Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson in the 2019 general election (PA)
3 min read
SNP MP Amy Callaghan has undergone emergency neurosurgery after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
The MP for East Dunbartonshire was found by her partner collapsed at home on Wednesday 10 June and was rushed to hospital facing an “imminent risk to life”.
She is said to be in a stable condition in hospital and is communicating well with her family, according to a statement released by her constituency office.
Ms Callaghan is best known for beating then Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson in the 2019 general election.
She has spoken previously about past health concerns, after being treated for skin cancer aged 19.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted her well-wishes to Ms Callaghan, saying: “Sending lots of love and strength to @AmyCallaghanSNP and her family, and wishing her the speediest possible recovery.”
Ms Callaghan’s office says that the emergency is related to a “previously manageable medical condition”.
But it adds that she aims to continue serving as an MP and will return “fitter and more determined than ever”.
The statement says: “Thanks to the immense skill and response of the medical team involved in her care, Amy was able to successfully pull through the operation and it now stable in hospital.
“She wishes to put on record her enormous love and gratitude to all involved in her care - the first response and ambulance crew, accident and emergency staff, the neurological surgeons and the wonderful nursing team - who have all played a role in, undoubtedly, saving her life."
"As she always has done throughout her life, she will continue to fight. She is determined to overcome what barriers, if any, may now arise as a result of this incident. She wants to make clear that her constituency work will continue: her office is still open for all those who require help and support.
“There will be a period of required rest and recover. Whilst this is ongoing, we ask that you respect her and her family's safety and privacy.
"It is the privilege of her life to be elected as the Member of Parliament for East Dunbartonshire.
“There is absolutely no doubt that Amy will come back stronger, fitter and more determined than ever to continue in that role and serve, top the best of her ability, the people of her constituency."
SNP Westminster Leader Ian Blackford MP said: "My thoughts and best wishes are with Amy and her family at this incredibly difficult time.
"I wish Amy a full and speedy recovery from everyone in the SNP, and would ask that people please respect her family's privacy now and in the weeks to come."
Ailean Beaton is a reporter for PoliticsHome's sister title Holyrood magazine, where a version of this story first appeared.
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