News stories

Jack Bagshaw, a 23-year-old from Cannock, has made it home in time to meet his new baby girl after receiving a double lung transplant at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB). 

Having suffered with severe asthma since childhood, three years ago Jack was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a rare condition that can cause small patches of swollen tissue to develop in the lungs. Following months of intensive investigations, biopsies, and time spent in hospital on oxygen machines, Jack was also diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. 

Jack’s medical team decided a double lung transplant would be the best option. He was transferred to QEHB, where he began his transplant assessment.  

Not long after Jack was put on the transplant list, he received the news that they were ready to operate.  

Jack said: “The process from deciding a transplant was the right course of action, to actually having it, was surprisingly short for me, but I’m so glad it’s done. The team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham has been brilliant at supporting me through the journey and making my family feel part of it too. My partner is heavily pregnant, with our daughter being due in just a few weeks and I’m so pleased I’ll be home to support her and to meet our new baby girl. 

Jack, who is a father and stepfather to two boys already, has had a smooth recovery so far, he explains: “I was in intensive care for one day after the operation, then was moved on to the cardiac surgery ward. I had four chest drains, three of which were removed just days after the surgery. I’ve since been able to tackle the stairs and hope these positive milestones continue. 

“I’m so grateful to my donor. This transplant will improve my quality of life and mean I can spend less time in hospital and more time with my young family.” 

By chance, Jack’s double lung transplant was one of four lung transplants performed in a five-day period at QEHB. Usually between 20-25 lung transplants are performed each year.  

Elsa Perry, Heart and Lung Transplant and VAD Coordinator at UHB, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure supporting Jack and his family through this journey and we’re so happy that the timings have fallen into place so he can be around for his partner and children. We wish them all the very best.” 

Matt Metcalfe, QEHB’s Hospital Executive Director said: “Undertaking four lung transplants in five days is a first for our hospital and the effort and dedication that goes into making that achievement possible cannot be underestimated.  

“We’re so happy to hear that Jack doing very well and will be home with his family for the special arrival of his new baby daughter. 

“The brilliant team involved in Jack’s care need a huge thank you, from the coordinators to the surgeons, and everyone else involved in this very complex care, thank you for your tireless effort and extraordinary skills in providing simply better care for our patients. 

“It is also humbling to reflect on the generous gift of life from the donor and their family, without which we would not have been able to do this for Jack.”