By Andrew Young-
The condition of Yulia Skripal, who was poisoned with a nerve agent in Salisbury along with her father, is improving rapidly, according to doctors.
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust said on Thursday that the 33-year-old was no longer in a critical condition, describing her medical state now as stable.
Christine Blanshard, medical director for Salisbury district hospital, said: “I’m pleased to be able to report an improvement in the condition of Yulia Skripal. She has responded well to treatment but continues to receive expert clinical care 24 hours a day.
“I want to take this opportunity to once again thank the staff of Salisbury district hospital for delivering such high-quality care to these patients over the last few weeks. I am very proud both of our frontline staff and all those who support them.”
The condition of her father-Sergei Skripal- is still described by the hospital as critical but stable. Sergei Skripal, 66, a former Russian double agent, is believed to have been the main target of the attack.
Detectives said they believed the pair were poisoned with the nerve agent novichok, smeared on the front door of his Salisbury home. Not much hope of a recovery by either Sergei Skripal or his daughter was expected.
Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, who was among the first officers to visit the house in Salisbury, also fell severely ill
A court hearing last week was told that Mr Skripal and his daughter may have suffered life-long brain damage as a result of the attack.
Speaking last week, Mr Justice Williams told the Court of Protection: “The precise effect of their exposure on their long term health remains unclear, albeit medical tests indicate that their mental capacity might be compromised to an unknown and so far unascertained degree.”
A total of 38 people were treated for varying symptoms resulting from exposure, including an unnamed hospital outpatient, which could have resulted from exposure to the nerve agent either by contact with the Skripals or items they touched.
who was among the first officers to visit the house in Salisbury, also fell severely ill but has since been discharged from the hospital.
