State Member for Southern Downs James Lister says his eldest son Jeremy remains stabilised in Toowoomba Hospital and is responding positively to treatment for meningitis, but is “not out of the woods yet”.
Jeremy Lister, 9, was flown to Toowoomba Hospital on Tuesday after initial treatment at Stanthorpe Hospital, where the medical team administered a ‘broad spectrum’ antibiotic after Jeremy displayed symptoms of meningitis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
He was later diagnosed with bacterial meningitis – a rarer and more dangerous form of meningitis than the viral strain – and a blood infection which increased the seriousness of his condition.
Earlier today – Thursday 25 June – Mr Lister told media Jeremy “had a good night last night and he is a little better today”.
“He had a ‘FaceTime’ call with his school class this afternoon, and that put a smile on his face,” James said.
“His classmates and teachers are terrific.
“When Jeremy is not sleeping, he has been watching Harry Potter.
“Today (Thursday) Jeremy’s doctors advised that the antibiotics appear to have worked well on the blood infection.
“This is wonderful news, but he’s not out of the woods yet, and he will probably be in hospital for quite a while.
“The nursing and medical staff here at Toowoomba Hospital have been fantastic.
“We are advised that Jeremy may be transferred to the Queensland Children’s (Lady Cilento) Hospital at some stage tomorrow.
“Belinda and I have been doing shifts by Jeremy’s bedside and we want to thank everyone for their well wishes, prayers and offers of support.
“We can’t reply to them all, but we really appreciate them.
“Many thanks indeed to my mum and dad who have been looking after our younger son William while Belinda and I are away.”
Meningitis is a severe inflammation of the membranes which surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Mr Lister previously said he believes the quick treatment Jeremy was given in the emergency room at Stanthorpe Hospital was likely to have been “life saving”.
