Triumphant Return: MP Craig Mackinlay Receives Standing Ovation in Parliament After Overcoming Life-Threatening Sepsis

Craig Mackinlay: MP Receives Warm Welcome Back to Parliament After Life-Altering Amputations

Craig Mackinlay, the MP for South Thanet, was welcomed back to parliament with a standing ovation after undergoing amputations of his hands and feet. Eight months ago, he was hospitalized with sepsis and given only a 5% survival chance, leading to his amputations six months ago.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 12

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A Member of Parliament who underwent the amputation of both hands and feet due to sepsis received a standing ovation upon his return to the House of Commons.

Upon his return to parliament, Craig Mackinlay received a warm embrace from Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle. This reunion came only eight months after Mackinlay was urgently hospitalized for sepsis, subsequently placed in a medically induced coma, and faced a mere 5% survival probability.

When the Conservative representative for South Thanet walked into the House of Commons, members from various political groups rose and applauded, visibly moving Mr. Mackinlay.

Sir Lindsay stated, "Clapping is generally prohibited, however, this instance is an exception."

Before the start of Prime Minister's Questions, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer went over to greet him with a handshake. He mentioned during the session that he had met with Mr. Mackinlay and his wife earlier that day to welcome him back.

At the beginning of PMQs, Rishi Sunak commenced by applauding the "remarkable fortitude" of his fellow Conservative.

In a session of the Commons, Mr. Mackinlay rose to emphasize the importance of early sepsis detection within the NHS and to advocate for the timely provision of "suitable prosthetics."

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He described the day as "emotionally charged" and humorously expressed regret for violating "numerous rules" within the Commons, including the clapping and his need to wear sneakers since his regular shoes couldn't fit over his prosthetic feet, along with his choice to forego a jacket because it couldn't accommodate his arms.

Mr. Mackinlay expressed his gratitude to the prime minister for the support during his difficult time, noting that it was not widely publicized, and also humorously remarked that the Speaker resembled a funeral director during a hospital visit.

The Member of Parliament disclosed that the NHS personnel, notably the two surgeons responsible for his amputation, were present in the gallery of the Commons, accompanied by his family members, whom he credited with being essential to his survival.

"Many NHS staff members, who rescued me from near death, are present in the public gallery," he stated, receiving further applause from the MPs.

"They rescued me when I was near the end, bringing me to my current state. I'm grateful for that. It's a bit unsettling, though, knowing that the two surgeons who removed all my belongings are present."

Mr. Mackinlay, a father to a young daughter, expressed his desire to be referred to as the "bionic MP" by young visitors following his fitting with prosthetic hands and legs.

He expressed his commitment to contesting the upcoming general election, aiming to continue representing his Kent constituency and to focus his campaign on increasing sepsis awareness.

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