'Hemlock poison' surgeon recovers

Mr Currie is a surgeon based at Aberdeen Royal

A neurosurgeon has been recovering after apparently eating the poisonous hemlock herb while out hillwalking in the Scottish Highlands.

David Currie, a consultant with the neuro sciences department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, was in a critical condition at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

However, on Tuesday afternoon the hospital said the 51-year-old had regained consciousness.

Mr Currie, who has worked for Grampian NHS Trust for 20 years, was still in intensive care - but was said to be making good progress and talking to his family.

David Currie has worked for the trust for 20 years

Trust spokesman Alan Reid said it appeared he had consumed some kind of poisonous plant, but it was unclear at this stage if it had been hemlock.

Mr Reid told BBC News Online Scotland that Mr Currie became unwell while out on a hillwalking trip in the Highlands.

He and his companion both complained of feeling ill during their journey back home on the A9.

They reached the Garve Hotel, in Wester Ross, where they called an ambulance.

'Well respected'

Both were taken to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.

Mr Currie was initially in a critical condition when he was admitted at about 1530BST on Sunday. His fellow walker was well enough to be discharged later that day.

Signs of hemlock poisoning

Nausea and vomiting

Headaches

Abdominal pains

Confused state

Fits

Respiratory failure

Mr Reid said: "Obviously everyone was shocked to learn that their very ill patient was Mr Currie."

He added: "Mr Currie is a very well respected and talented surgeon and we all wish him a speedy recovery."

There are only a few plants which are thought to be life-threatening if eaten and they include poison hemlock and water hemlock.

The poison hemlock plant looks similar to a large fern, it can grow up to two metres high and can be found in wooded areas and ditches.

It causes vomiting, headaches, abdominal pain, fits, a confused state and respiratory failure if eaten.

There is no antidote for poison hemlock or water hemlock. But if diagnosis is detected early the prognosis is good for the patient.