Lung transplant patient home for baby's birth

A patient who received a double-lung transplant has said he is pleased to be going home for the birth of his baby girl.

Jack Bagshaw, from Cannock, Staffordshire, was diagnosed with sarcoidosis – a rare condition causing small patches of swollen tissue on the lungs – three years ago.

The 23-year-old, who has also suffered with severe asthma since childhood, spent months in hospital being tested before he was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension as well.

He was put on the transplant list and he had the surgery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham in January.

Bagshaw said the procedure was the "right course of action" and he was "so glad" it had been done.

"My partner is heavily pregnant with our daughter being due in just a few weeks and I'm so pleased I'll be home to support her and to meet our new baby girl," he added.

The father of one son and stepfather to another said he had had a smooth recovery so far having been in intensive care for a day after the surgery.

"I've since been able to tackle the stairs and hope these positive milestones continue," he added.

"I'm so grateful to my donor. This transplant will improve my quality of life and mean I can spend less time in hospital and more time with my young family."

His operation was one of four lung transplants performed at the hospital in a five-day period. There are usually between 20 and 25 every year.

Elsa Perry, from University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, said it was an "absolute pleasure" to support Bagshaw and his family through their journey.

"We're so happy that the timings have fallen into place so he can be around for his partner and children," she said

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