Paisley patient with Cystic Fibrosis survived Covid-19 in Glasgow hospital

Shane Howard Magill, 39, believes it was 'miracle' drug Kaftrio and the support of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) staff that saved his life.

Due to his condition, Covid-19 carried a far greater risk to his health than someone not affected by it and he was hospitalised after testing positive. 

Now, after being discharged, he thanks the hospital staff for their care.

Daryl, Leanne and Shane (left to right) are excited to go to Disneyland

He said: “If the team at QEUH hadn’t managed to get me on Kaftrio, I don’t think I'd be here.

"My lungs would have been in a terrible condition to have to face COVID-19.

"I was diagnosed later in life and a lot of damage had already been done so it was really important for me that I get the right treatment to look after my lungs."

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Thanks to his recovery, Mr Magill and his family can go ahead with their dream vacation and visit Disneyland Paris.

His partner Leanne and two step-children Luke, 18, and Daryl, 20 are excited to go on the trip.

He added: “The team at QEUH have become extended family to me.

"I really can’t thank them enough for helping me manage my condition and looking after me on the rare occasions it flares up.

"Thanks to them I can safely say ‘We’re going to Disneyland’.”

Mr MacGill was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at 19, relatively late.

The condition results in a build-up of thick sticky mucus in the body’s passageways.    

He now lives with minimal worrying about his health and is working towards a degree in Cyber Security.

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He said: “I’m juggling a lot at the moment, and I'm thankful to be in the position to do that.

"I own my condition – it doesn’t own me. The Kaftrio treatment has been a real game changer for me, and alongside my previous medication Symkevi, means that rather than ending up in hospital three or four times a year, COVID-19 aside, I only need additional support around once a year.”     

Professor Gordon MacGregor, consultant physician at the QEUH said: “We have a large expert team of staff delivering Cystic Fibrosis care within the QEUH and the team have a huge wealth of experience in Cystic Fibrosis.

"Ultimately, this means people like Shane have access to the best care and support.

"For Shane, coping with COVID-19 was far easier when in the specialist ward QEUH where he was looked after by the multidisciplinary team.  We are delighted to see him discharged back home to his family.”