In a shocking revelation that has left the medical community stunned, the consultant who treated Yulia Skripal after the infamous Novichok poisoning in Salisbury has shared an astonishing account of her unexpected awakening. Dr. Stephen Cockroft, testifying at the inquiry into the Wiltshire poisonings, described the moment Yulia regained consciousness as nothing short of miraculous, leaving him and his colleagues “gobsmacked”.
A Grim Prognosis Defied
When Yulia Skripal and her father, former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, were admitted to Salisbury District Hospital on March 4, 2018, their condition was critical. The medical team, led by Dr. Cockroft, initially believed that Yulia had suffered catastrophic brain damage due to the nerve agent attack. The prognosis was grim, and the doctors were prepared for the worst.
However, just four days later, the unthinkable happened. Yulia began to stir, attempting to get out of her hospital bed. Dr. Cockroft, who was present at the time, described the scene:
I was gobsmacked; this was a girl I never thought I would see move again.
– Dr. Stephen Cockroft
Comforting a Terrified Patient
As Yulia regained consciousness, she was understandably distressed and confused. Dr. Cockroft rushed to her side, attempting to comfort her and assure her that she was safe. He gently asked if anyone had attacked her or her father or if they had been sprayed with anything. Yulia, still groggy and disoriented, was unable to provide any clear answers.
The medical team’s joy at Yulia’s remarkable recovery was tempered by the realization that they were dealing with an unprecedented situation. The Novichok poisoning was a highly sensitive matter, and the hospital staff found themselves navigating uncharted waters.
Silence and Secrecy
In a surprising turn of events, Dr. Cockroft revealed that he was swiftly removed from the intensive care rota and warned against discussing the Skripals’ symptoms with his colleagues. The hospital’s medical director, Dr. Christine Blanchard, allegedly treated his interaction with Yulia as a serious misconduct, effectively silencing him.
This enforced secrecy, according to Dr. Cockroft, led to a lost opportunity in terms of sharing crucial information about recognizing the symptoms of Novichok poisoning. Tragically, just three months later, Dawn Sturgess, a 44-year-old woman from Wiltshire, fell victim to the same nerve agent and lost her life.
A Nerve Agent’s Deadly Power
The inquiry also heard chilling testimony from an expert on toxicology, identified only as FT49, who works at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). FT49 revealed that an amount of Novichok equivalent to just a few grains of sand could be fatal when applied to the skin.
The expert suggested that Dawn Sturgess might have suffered a “multi-route exposure” to the nerve agent by spraying it on her wrist from a perfume bottle and inhaling it. This tragic incident underscores the deadly power of Novichok and the importance of proper training and information sharing among medical professionals.
The Ripple Effect of Fear
The Novichok poisonings sent shockwaves through the community, with fear and uncertainty gripping the residents of Wiltshire. The inquiry revealed that in the aftermath of the attacks, a staggering 87 people self-presented at the Accident and Emergency department, worried that they might have been contaminated by the nerve agent.
This mass panic highlights the psychological impact of such an unprecedented event and the importance of clear communication and support for the affected community.
Unanswered Questions and the Search for Justice
As the inquiry into the Wiltshire poisonings continues, many questions remain unanswered. The testimony of Dr. Cockroft and other key figures has shed light on the challenges faced by medical professionals and the need for better preparedness in the face of such an unprecedented threat.
The families of the victims, particularly Dawn Sturgess, are still searching for answers and justice. The revelations from the inquiry have only strengthened their resolve to uncover the truth behind these tragic events and hold those responsible accountable.
Yulia Skripal’s miraculous recovery serves as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of the Novichok poisonings. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the dedication of the medical professionals who fought tirelessly to save her life. As the inquiry unfolds, the world watches with bated breath, hoping that the truth will finally come to light and that justice will be served.
