Fans of Flog It! are mourning the loss of antiques expert Michael Baggott, who passed away at 51 after suffering a heart attack.
His death, confirmed through a heartfelt social media post, has also reignited concerns about the state of the NHS, particularly after Baggott’s own public complaints about the care he received in his final weeks.
A Health Battle That Took a Turn for the Worse
Baggott had already been dealing with serious health issues before his passing.
Last October, he suffered a suspected stroke, which left him bedridden for weeks.
Despite receiving medical care at Good Hope Hospital in Birmingham, he shared alarming details about his experience, claiming he was left dehydrated and struggling to get basic necessities like water.
Shocking Claims About NHS Care
In December, Baggott took to social media to express his frustrations with the hospital system.
He shared a series of video clips describing how he had been deprived of water for extended periods, sometimes going 15 to 17 hours without fluids.
“I’m dying of thirst in a British NHS hospital, and no one seems prepared to do anything about it,” he wrote in one post.
While medical reasons may have played a role in his restricted fluid intake, such as concerns over swallowing or choking, Baggott’s words painted a troubling picture of neglect.
Praise for Junior Staff, Criticism for Senior Management
Despite his complaints, Baggott made a point to praise the junior doctors and nurses, describing them as the “saving grace” of his care.
However, he was highly critical of senior management and doctors, claiming they ignored his needs and dismissed his concerns.
He also recalled a disturbing interaction with a senior doctor who allegedly warned him that if he didn’t “buck up,” he would never walk again.
Junior staff later reassured him that the comment was nonsense, but it highlighted the disconnect between hospital leadership and frontline healthcare workers.
NHS Under Fire for Deteriorating Conditions
Baggott’s experience echoes wider concerns about the NHS, which has been under immense strain this winter.
Reports indicate that emergency services in England are facing their busiest season yet, with over 2.3 million patients visiting A&E in December alone.
Shockingly, data shows that over 57,000 people died last year due to excessive A&E wait times, with thousands of patients left waiting more than 12 hours for treatment.
A recent report by the Royal College of Nursing even revealed that some patients have been left in “inhumane” conditions, with overcrowding so severe that deceased patients have gone unnoticed for hours.
Tributes Pour In for a Respected Expert
Following news of Baggott’s passing, tributes flooded in from fellow antiques experts and TV personalities.
Bargain Hunt and Antiques Roadshow star Charles Hanson described him as a “giant of our antique industry” and praised his vast knowledge.
Fellow Flog It! expert Nick Hall also paid tribute, calling Baggott a “true connoisseur and ambassador of the antiques world” who was always generous with his expertise.
A Life Dedicated to Antiques
Baggott’s passion for antiques started early, leading him to work at Christie’s while still in university.
He later spent years leading Sotheby’s silver department before transitioning into private consultancy.
He was also an accomplished author, with notable works such as An Illustrated Guide to York Hallmarks 1776 – 1858.
Though Flog It! was canceled in 2018, Baggott remained a well-respected figure in the antiques world.
Just last year, he had to shut down a false death rumor, jokingly telling fans, “Not dead quite yet.”
Sadly, this time, the news is all too real.
A memorial service will be held in the coming weeks, with details to be shared via his official social media accounts.
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