Sergei Skripal, the Russian double-agent poisoned in Salisbury, has been discharged from hospital, according to the NHS. Sergei’s discharge follows that of his daughter, Yulia, who was also poisoned in March.
Citing patient confidentiality, NHS England said they were unable to comment on any details about patients, but said: “Treating people who are so acutely unwell, having been poisoned by nerve agents, requires stabilizing them, keeping them alive until their bodies could produce more enzymes to replace those that had been poisoned.”
Following the poisoning, UK Prime Minister Theresa May stated the government’s chemical laboratory at Porton Down had identified the “military-grade”chemical agents used in the attack as Novichok.
Speaking in the House of Commons, May suggested that either the Russian government was behind the attack or lost control of its supplies, allowing the “potentially catastrophically damaging nerve agent” to fall into the hands of others.
Salisbury District Hospital Chief Executive Cara Charles-Barks said: “It is fantastic news that Sergei Skripal is well enough to leave Salisbury District Hospital.”
The fact that the Skripals “have been able to leave us so soon after coming into contact with this nerve agent is thanks to the hard work, skill and professionalism of our clinicians, who provide outstanding care to all our patients, day in and day out,” she added. “They’ve demonstrated the very best of the NHS.”
The British government insists that the Kremlin was behind the attack on the Skripals, who were reportedly poisoned by a nerve agent administered on the door handle of Sergei’s home in Salisbury. Yulia was discharged from hospital five weeks ago, but has not given any interviews since being released. Russia denies any involvement.