Swimming instructor, 28, who had stroke praises hospital staff

Man hails medical care after suffering stroke in his Dundee home

A Perthshire swimming instructor has praised staff at Ninewells Hospital for saving his life after he suffered a stroke.

Ewan Smith, 28, was rushed into hospital last week after becoming unwell at home.

The father of two said he was taken by surprise by the speed he became ill.

He said: “I had come in from washing the car and was speaking to my fiancée when I felt pressure at the back of my head.

“I didn’t think it was anything serious at first but my fiancée called NHS24 and they were telling me to keep awake.

“I was also told to raise both arms up in the air but when I did this my left arm just went weak.”

He added: “One minute I was sitting on the sofa and the next I was in an ambulance en route to Ninewells.”

At the hospital, he was shocked to discover he had suffered a stroke.

He said: “After a lot of scans, the doctors eventually determined I’d had a stroke. My work is at Swimtime Perthshire, so I am a healthy guy.

“It’s not something you expect to happen to you.”

The experience has left Ewan, from Stobswell in Dundee, counting his blessings.

He said: “I was on the stroke ward with some older guys and it hit home that I can still do things others can’t. “I am thankful I am not paralysed. “I really am grateful for everyone at Ninewells. From the doctors and nurses to the consultants, everyone has been fantastic.”

He also praised the post-hospital care. “They are extremely helpful in pointing you in the right direction after you leave hospital.

“They told me about the advice centre they have.

“As I am self-employed, this could impact my livelihood. The hospital was a great support to me.”

He said: “Having a stroke can happen to anyone.

“When you are young there can be no real trigger, sometimes these things just happen.”

Ewan’s fiancée Stacey Boyle, 29, said: “I am currently on maternity leave and we are moving house in a week, so it has been very stressful time.

“All the staff at the hospital have been very helpful.”

Pictures: Kris Miller. Father-of-two Ewan Smith is “grateful” to Ninewells and NHS24 staff.

Mr Smith was rushed into hospital after taking ill at his home in Stobswell.