Entertainment
Jo Whiley reveals ‘terrified’ sister was restrained after ‘rampaging’ through hospital amid coronavirus ordeal
Jo Whiley has revealed that her sister was ‘so terrified’ of being admitted to hospital with coronavirus that she had to be restrained by security guards.
The BBC Radio 2 host opened up about her devastating week after her sister Frances tested positive for Covid-19.
Frances has learning difficulties, genetic syndrome Cri du Chat and diabetes but surprisingly wasn’t offered the vaccine before her big sister.
The 53-year-old had become very ill since testing positive following an outbreak at her care home in Northamptonshire.
It was particularly challenging transporting Frances to the hospital as Jo revealed to Andrew Marr: ‘It’s been the worst week of our lives, without a shadow of a doubt…
‘The idea of Frances having to do this on her own is unthinkable and also actually people couldn’t cope with Frances.
‘When she was admitted to hospital she was so terrified that she actually rampaged through the hospital and people couldn’t contain her and security guards had to be involved, they had to restrain her.’
Jo, 55, revealed that it was ‘crucial’ their mum was present and able to talk Frances down so doctors could give her oxygen.
She explained: ‘That is why her oxygen levels plummeted, that is why she ended up fighting for her life, because you couldn’t do the most basic simple thing that you would do to try and get somebody through Covid, and we were at our wits’ end.’
The presenter went on to praise the medical professionals who ‘were doing an amazing job’ but noted that they ‘aren’t equipped’ to deal with people with learning disabilities and how they might react in those situations.
Fortunately, the family have seen a glimmer of ‘hope’ as Frances’ oxygen levels rose yesterday.
‘Twenty-four hours ago we didn’t have any hope at all, so she is an amazing fighter, she always has been a great fighter and I’m just hoping that her spirit gets her through,’ Jo said.
Health secretary Matt Hancock also appeared on the show and said of Frances’ ordeal: ‘My heart goes out to Jo and to her sister and her whole family.’
He added it was ‘such a difficult situation’.
More than 17 million people in the UK have received the first dose of their Covid-19 vaccine, with thousands getting their jab each day.
Over 80s were targeted first as well as priority groups, with the BBC stating that people with diabetes and those with ‘severe or profound’ learning difficulties are now starting to receive their invitations.
All adults aged over 50, as well as those with underlying health conditions, should have received their first dose of a vaccine by April 15, while the Government aims to have offered all UK adults a jab by July 31.
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