Recovered coronavirus patients thank RUH staff for their care and support

TWO RUH patients who spent time in intensive care after contracting COVID-19 have returned home and thanked hospital staff for the ‘fantastic’ care they received.

Angie Shell, 61, from Trowbridge, was admitted to the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust after falling ill at home.

Angie said: “I had a cough and hadn’t been feeling well for a little while, but I have lupus and had put it down to that. I went to bed feeling a bit rough, but as the days went on I got worse and we made the decision to call for an ambulance.

“I was in the Respiratory Assessment Unit for two days and then taken to Parry ward, but my condition deteriorated and I was taken to the Intensive Care unit so I could be given oxygen.

“It was a very frightening time, but the doctors and nurses were unbelievable. They didn’t leave my side and were just wonderful.

“I don’t know how I can ever thank them enough. If I ever win the lottery, I know where the money’s going!

“They saved my life, it’s a simple as that. They are so brave, putting themselves at risk to help care for others. They are absolutely fantastic.”

Angie, a grandmother, is now back at home to continue her recovery. “I feel so much better than I did,” she said. “I’ve still got a bit of a cough and still get tired very quickly but I’m feeling better day by day. It’s a horrible virus but I want people to know that you can survive it.”

Angie’s husband David added: “The staff in the intensive care unit were fantastic. I wasn’t able to visit Angie, so stayed at home waiting for news. A couple of times I called the unit to find out how she was doing and I just fell to bits, but the staff were so supportive, so caring and it helped me to cope.”

Hugh Mullally, 65, from Bath, fell ill after returning home from a work trip to Europe.

He was taken to the RUH and within days was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

“I was intubated so that I could be placed on a ventilator. Then I was put into an induced coma. I had about 10 minutes to say goodbye to my wife and read the notes that my children had written to me. It all seemed to have happened so quickly.

“I was on a ventilator for nine days in all before I began to recover. When I left the unit, all the staff came into the corridor and gave me a round of applause. I couldn’t believe it. It was very emotional.

“All the way through, from the moment I arrived at the RUH to the day I left, the care was just outstanding. All the staff were so professional and kind. They became like friends to me. I can’t speak highly enough of them. The hospital food was excellent too!

“I feel incredibly lucky that we have the NHS and will never forget the outstanding care and compassion that I received from the staff at the RUH.”

Hugh’s wife Karen said: “We all feel like the NHS has given us Hugh’s life back”

Hugh’s daughter Tara, who has been furloughed from her job, ran a staggering 10km every day he was in a coma, raising a massive £5,000 for NHS charities.

RUH Chief Executive James Scott said: “I’m delighted that Angie and Hugh are back home and wish them all the very best with their recovery. They are just two of more than 100 COVID-19 patients who have been well enough to leave the hospital and head home.

“I’m so incredibly proud of all our staff. They are facing unprecedented challenges and continue to provide our patients with the very best care.”