ITV's beloved medical expert, Dr Hilary Jones, has shared a frightening health ordeal that saw him rushed to hospital in an ambulance, initially fearing he was having a heart attack. The 72-year-old appeared on Tuesday's episode of Lorraine to discuss the incident with host Lorraine Kelly, 66.
A Terrifying Ambulance Dash
Dr Hilary recounted how he was struck by a circulating virus, which led to a "little bit of pneumonia and pericarditis". Pericarditis is the painful inflammation of the protective membrane surrounding the heart. The situation escalated when paramedics performed an ECG (Electrocardiography) at his home. "The ECG said I had a heart attack. I hadn't," he clarified. After analysing the trace together with the ambulance crew, the correct diagnosis of pericarditis was made.
He praised the two paramedics who attended him – a 21-year-old man and a slightly older woman – describing them as "brilliant" and "really good". He was then "blue lighted into hospital" for further care. Lorraine expressed her shock, to which Dr Hilary admitted the paramedics also found the situation "weird" to be treating the famous TV doctor.
Recovery and Reflections on the NHS
Despite the hospital being "inundated with patients", Dr Hilary commended the staff for their calm and efficient care, confirming that "it all got sorted". He reassured a concerned Lorraine that he is now "absolutely" okay, though he confessed to being "very, very worried" at the time.
The conversation then turned to Lorraine's own recent heartbreak, following the death of her father, John, at 84 in January. Dr Hilary acknowledged her "trials and tribulations", and Lorraine spoke of the kindness she had received from viewers and colleagues, describing the show as "like a family".
Understanding the Medical Conditions
According to the NHS, pericarditis is "inflammation of the lining around your heart, which causes chest pain". This differs from a heart attack, which is a "serious medical emergency in which the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked". The pneumonia Dr Hilary mentioned is defined as "inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection".
Lorraine returned to her ITV show on Monday after taking time off following her father's passing, with Christine Lampard having stepped in to host the previous week.
Lorraine airs weekdays from 9:30am on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
