A patient who has recently been treated for coronavirus (COVID-19) at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust has shared his story and words of appreciation to the staff who cared for him.
Married grandfather Terry Philpot, 66, a retired London black cab driver, from Puckeridge, Hertfordshire
Terry said: “On Saturday, 28 March, I went to bed early because I was feeling really tired. On the Sunday, 29 March, I was still very tired, and I felt hot and sweaty.
“On the Monday morning (30 March) my wife, Pat, was worried about me – I’ve had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for 15 years – but I thought I was all right. She realised how ill I was and called an ambulance. When the paramedics arrived and took my temperature it was 40.4°C, and I was taken to hospital.
“I was taken to a ward, I had lots of tests and was given antibiotics and paracetamol. I had really good care from all of the lovely staff.
“While I was in hospital I didn’t think I was feeling too ill really, but when I found out I had coronavirus (COVID-19), I was worried I might die because of my COPD. I tried to take my mind off it, and I slept a lot of the time when I was on the ward.
“In the afternoon of Thursday, 2 April, my doctor said I was well enough to go home – I was feeling ok by then. I thought, as long it stays like this, I’m good as gold, I want to go home right now!
“I’m feeling a lot better now, day on day. I’m eating and drinking ok, but I have lost a stone, from 12 and a half stone to 11 and a half stone.
“The staff were one big team working together, everyone did something different, but it all mattered. I couldn’t have wished for any more and I am still standing here because of them.
“Those nurses and doctors are the reason that I’m alive – they saved me. I just think they’re angels, they cared so much.”
Terry’s wife, Pat, 65, added: “When Terry came home he was in bed sleeping for days and days. I think I had it too, but I just felt ill with a bit of a cough and a bad headache.
“The staff were really nice, and they kept us really well informed about Terry. They really put my mind at rest.
“Terry said he means every word of thanks for saving his life, and I am looking forward to our 50th wedding anniversary this November.”
Sharon McNally, director of nursing, midwifery, and allied health professionals, said: “We are so glad to see that Terry, alongside many other patients, are doing well in their recovery from coronavirus (COVID-19).
“It is fantastic to hear such high praise for our dedicated teams, who are working hard to support our patients. It means a great deal to our doctors, nurses and support staff to receive these words of gratitude.
“We encourage our patients to continue to get in touch and share thank you messages with our staff, as they are deeply appreciated.”
You can share your words of thanks with hospital staff by calling the patient experience team on
01279 827084 or emailing [email protected].