Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay has returned to Parliament for the first time after surviving a life-threatening episode of sepsis which resulted in the amputation of his hands and feet. The South Thanet MP opened up about his experience, his recovery journey and his plans for the future in an interview.
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On September 27, 2023, Craig Mackinlay began feeling unwell. Overnight his condition deteriorated leading to violent sickness.
His wife, Kati, a pharmacist noted alarming signs: cold arms and an absent pulse. Despite paramedics initially suggesting a visit to the GP, Kati insisted on hospitalization at Medway Maritime Hospital likely saving his life.
Upon arrival Craig Mackinlay was diagnosed with sepsis, a critical and often fatal condition where the body’s response to infection causes inflammation leading to tissue damage and organ failure.
He experienced septic shock resulting in kidney and liver failure, blood clots, and his limbs turning black. Doctors induced a coma that lasted for 16 days describing him as one of the sickest patients they had ever seen.
Mackinlay’s extremities became severely desiccated and deformed resembling “a mummified Pharaoh’s” fingers and toes. The MP’s survival chances at one point were estimated at a mere 5%.
On December 1, 2023, all four limbs were amputated in a single procedure. The amputation is significant but necessary step to prevent the spread of the infection.
Post-surgery, Craig Mackinlay was fitted with prosthetic legs and hands. His initial prosthetic hands were hard rubber stumps which he humorously noted were “good for fighting and smashing windows but not much else.” His current prosthetic hands sourced privately at a cost of £100,000 have provided an improvement.
Craig Mackinlay’s wife, Kati, remained a pillar of support even refusing to say goodbye during the worst moments. Their four-year-old daughter, Olivia, adapted well to her father’s new condition.
Craig Mackinlay will attend Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday accompanied by his wife and daughter. His first public engagement since the amputations. He expressed a desire to be known as the “bionic MP” inspired by his new prosthetic limbs.
The MP plans to stand in the next election for his constituency which is set to be renamed Thanet East. He plans to inspire children visiting Parliament’s education centre.
Craig Mackinlay expressed a stoic acceptance of his fate. He remarked on the surreal nature of seeing his limbs turn black and desiccated likening them to artifacts from an ancient tomb.
He maintains a positive outlook focusing on what he has retained rather than what he has lost. His elbows and knees remain intact.
His entire body from head to toe, turned blue. He was one of the sickest patients the medical staff had ever encountered with a survival chance of just 5%. To manage his critical condition Craig Mackinlay was placed in an induced coma for 16 days.
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During his coma, Craig Mackinlay’s limbs turned black due to the sepsis which causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues and organs. This severe reaction led to tissue death in his hands and feet.
Upon waking he found his limbs blackened and desiccated likening them to plastic. The limbs were cold and lifeless like “dead things.”
Doctors informed him that his limbs needed to be amputated above the elbows and knees to save his life. The extensive surgeries took place on December 1, involving the removal of all four limbs.
Craig Mackinlay remained stoic possibly due to the medication. He has since been fitted with prosthetic legs and hands, initially provided by the NHS.
He later sought advanced prosthetics privately due to the limitations of the initial NHS-provided ones. His first major milestone was walking 20 steps unaided on February 28, five months after falling ill.
Rebuilding muscle strength was crucial as his legs had wasted away, appearing skeletal. Personal and Emotional Impact Mackinlay candidly discussed the personal impact of his amputations.
He addressed that the loss of his hands has been the hardest part affecting daily activities and interactions such as using his phone, holding his daughter’s hand, and touching his wife.
Each morning he faces the reminder of his condition experiencing a sense of loss upon waking. His wife Kati has been a pillar of strength. His four-year-old daughter Olivia has also shown adaptability.
Craig Mackinlay is now determined to advocate for better sepsis recognition and treatment in the healthcare system.
He plans to campaign for the NHS to recognize sepsis early and administer broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent severe outcomes like his own.
An NHS spokesperson acknowledged the care provided but addressed the need for continued improvement in early sepsis detection and response.
He intends to run in the next election for his Kent constituency, due to be renamed Thanet East. He aspires to be known as the “bionic MP,” hoping to inspire children and visitors to Parliament’s education center.
Craig Mackinlay stresses the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on what he can achieve rather than dwelling on his limitations.
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