City of Powell River Councillor Chris McNaughton is recovering in a Vancouver hospital after having a stroke on Monday, August 26.
Mayor Dave Formosa announced at the beginning of the August 29 council meeting that McNaughton was fishing off the beach at Lang Creek when the stroke occurred.
McNaughton had immediate help when he collapsed and crews from BC Ambulance Service and Malaspina Volunteer Fire Department transported him to Powell River General Hospital, where he received clot-busting medication. McNaughton was flown to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) later that evening.
Formosa said he visited McNaughton on Wednesday. “His mind is good, all his senses and faculties are in order,” Formosa said. “He face looks good. He has a little droop over his left lip.”
His left arm is not functioning, Formosa said, and his left leg is functioning slightly. “There has been a fair amount of progress since he first had the stroke,” he said. “He did get the proper medical attention he needed within the four-hour magic time.”
McNaughton’s medical team believes the stroke was caused by a previous neck injury and was not the result of a genetic condition or existing physical conditions.
There is optimism for a good recovery, but McNaughton is not “out of the woods yet.” He is receiving blood thinners to thin out the clot. He is expected to start rehabilitation when the clot has been cleared.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleague,” Formosa said.
Formosa also said it was too soon to know how long McNaughton’s recovery would take. There hasn’t been a discussion about how long it might be before he can return to his duties on council.
Anyone who wants to send McNaughton cards or notes can take them to city hall and they will be forwarded to him.
