MP diagnosed with autoimmune condition after illness

An MP says she has been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition months after returning to work following a "life-threatening" illness.

Chippenham MP Sarah Gibson was in intensive care at Bath's Royal United Hospital (RUH) after a viral infection to her heart over Christmas last year.

In March she started a phased return to work in Westminster but has now said she needs to be back at the hospital for a "short period of monitored treatment".

She added her recovery has "proved slower than I anticipated".

In December, RUH staff told Ms Gibson they were unsure if she would recover after contracting pericarditis following the flu.

In a statement, she said: "Over the last 6 months, I have been closely monitored by the fantastic team at the RUH.

"They have watched my recovery with eagle eyes, and I continue to be amazed by their care and attention.

"I continue to remain fully committed to working on your behalf, albeit virtually, and my office will remain fully operational during my treatment."

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