AFTER ALMOST three years in hospital a 22-year-old woman, left severely disabled by a rare brain disease she claims she contracted while working in a pet shop, has finally spent her first night at home.
Patricia “Tricia” Ingle left the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick after 1,069 days yesterday surrounded by her family and friends.
The Limerick woman, who uses a wheelchair and is on a ventilator, bravely got to her feet with the suppport of her sisters Melissa and Kiera, as she left the hospital building.
“She can take a few steps but with the excitement of today she was really tired so it was best to just stand,” Ms Ingle’s mother Annette said.
“We’ve just left her hospital room and it looks so bare now after all her photos have been taken down.
“I can’t believe that she was in that room for nearly three years,” she added.
Last month, Ms Ingle secured a multimillion euro High Court award, which will help her receive the rehabilitation care she needs in the UK.
In her action she said she suffered her injuries after contracting chlamydia psittacosis – an airborne infection that can be transferred from birds to humans – while working at the Petmania store, Ennis Road, Limerick, in 2008. She also alleged her condition was negligently mismanaged by the HSE.
Later this month, Ms Ingle will travel to the Centre for Enablement in Oxford to begin intensive rehabilitation treatment, where attempts will also be made to wean her off the ventilator.
“I am very disappointed that there isn’t a place for people like Patricia to receive treatment here. It amazes me that it’s so easy to get over to England but that she can’t get treated in her own country,” Annette said.
According to Ms Ingle’s family, the 22-year-old, who is determined to walk again, is more than able for the challenges that lie ahead.
“She is definitely up for the challenge. It’s a long road ahead but she is so determined and we are so proud of her and she is just going to keep going and going.
“It’s a long, long road but we will get there,” Ms Ingle’s sister Melissa said.
Ms Ingle wore a specially chosen T-shirt bearing the slogan “I am somebody” for yesterday’s departure from hospital.
The Ingle family planned an intimate family celebration in a local restaurant in Murroe last night before a big welcome-home party which is planned for next weekend.
Ms Ingle said she was looking forward to spending last night in her own bed and she might even watch a movie.