Former Singapore archbishop Nicholas Chia 'fairly conscious', utters first word
[UPDATE on Friday, 14 March: Adding updated details about Archbishop Emeritus's health]
Former Singapore Catholic archbishop Nicholas Chia, 75, has woken up from his coma and spoke his first word on Thursday, said the Catholic Church.
In a statement released on Thursday evening by Archbishop William Goh's personal assistant Magdalene Lee, the former archbishop's condition was described as "fairly conscious", adding that he was able to say "Hello" to his doctors.
"The large clot in his brain has since resolved, and the swelling in his head is subsiding," said Lee. "The right side of his body remains weak, however, and will require physiotherapy." She added that he will remain in critical care at Mount Alvernia Hospital for the time being, where he was while in a coma.
Last month, the 75-year-old fell into a coma after a fall, and was warded in the hospital's intensive care unit.
In the meantime, Archbishop Goh has convened a team of five medical doctors -- which include neurosurgeons, a general surgeon and an anaesthetist -- to determine how effectively Archbishop Emeritus Chia will be able to recover, as well as to make recommendations for his future care.
"We thank you for your love and concern for Archbishop Emeritus Chia and urge you to continue to pray for his speedy recovery," Lee added.
