THE number of coronavirus patients who are back home with their families after receiving treatment at Worcestershire's hospitals has reached 500.
The trust which covers Kidderminster Hospital, the Alex and Worcestershire Royal, confirmed a total of 500 people had returned home after receiving treatment for covid-19 on its wards.
The acute trust confirmed earlier this month that the last of its temporary coronavirus intensive care units had closed down. All affected patients are now being cared for at the main units at Worcestershire Royal and the Alexandra Hospital.
As of Sunday, June 21, there were 1,441 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Worcestershire - 250 of those have been in Wyre Forest, 246 in Redditch and 309 in Bromsgrove.
Worcestershire's first confirmed coronavirus patient - retired Kidderminster Harriers announcer Roger Harris - was discharged at the start of April after he was admitted into the medical high care unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on March 10.
Speaking on the day he was set to return home, Roger, who is also known as Captain Crazy, expressed his gratitude to the life-saving staff.
He said: "I did not build my hopes up too much about coming out.
"My advice is to not give up hope - you must be very positive.
"My feeling now is of great gratitude to all the staff on the medical high care ward."
Areley Kings mum Heather Jones admitted she had "given up all hope of surviving" after being rushed to hospital with a temperature of 40 degrees on April 9 and testing positive for the virus two days later.
But on Easter Sunday, the 49-year-old was given the good news that she would be discharged the following day.
She was reunited husband and nine-year-old daughter following 17 days apart, and thanked nurses at Worcestershire Royal for saving her life.
Heart of Worcestershire College teacher Annette Gardner shared final goodbyes with family members before being admitted to intensive care at the Alex, but after spending 17 days fighting the virus, went on to make a miraculous recovery.
The 58-year-old, from Redditch, was discharged from intensive care on Saturday, April 18, and said: "I really want to express how grateful I am to the NHS.
"They are doing such a wonderful job and they are putting themselves at risk every day."
Devoted West Bromwich Albion fan Peter George received intensive care treatment at both the Alex and Worcestershire Royal Hospitals after contracting the virus.
The 65-year-old, from Redditch, was even placed into a coma after his vital organs started to fail - but made a full recovery.
Peter thanked his beloved Baggies after a compilation of music associated with the club, made by wife Teresa, prompted Peter to show his first signs of life since going into the coma.
Peter’s reaction to the music reached Rob Lake, director of the Albion Foundation, who organised player Chris Brunt, former player Bob Taylor and club boss Slaven Bilić to record a message of encouragement. The recorded messages were being played by the nurses at Peter’s bedside.
He eventually emerged from his coma on April 13 and thanked the "incredible" NHS staff for helping him make his recovery.
He said: "A lot of what happened when I was out of it I can’t remember and it’s a bit hazy at times but the care that I received makes me so proud of our nurses and medical staff.
“They are just brilliant, and I owe them everything."
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