A coronavirus survivor who spent more than seven weeks in hospital was clapped by staff as he left to go home at last.
Brian Herd, 70, was the first Covid-19 patient in Fife to be released successfully after being hooked up to a ventilator.
He said the healthcare workers who cared for him in the Victoria Hospital were “the great in Great Britain”.
Delighted staff applauded as he walked unaided to return home to the East Neuk and NHS Fife shared a video of his emotional exit.
During 51 days in the Kirkcaldy hospital, Brian spent 21 on a ventilator and his family were told that the longer he spent on it the less likely he would come off it.
Since his release last Monday he has been recovering at home, even walking round the block and up and down his stairs.
He said: “The staff in the hospital were extremely inspirational and encouraging.
“Our whole family appreciates everything that the nurses, cleaners, catering staff and everyone else has done for us.
“I cannot think of the words to express my true appreciation for what they do.
“They are the great in Great Britain.
“I would like to give special mention to Hamish the physio.
“I never got to see him when I left but he was brilliant and set me a recovery programme to follow which I have been.”
Brian’s daughter Cassandra Murray thanked the “NHS superheroes” involved in his care for “saving dad’s life”.
Brian, who has asthma and a heart condition, was diagnosed with Covid-19 on March 17, two days after being admitted to hospital with a bad cough, sickness and diarrhoea.
As the virus struck his lungs and ravaged his body he was transferred to intensive care.
Just as his family prepared for the worst, they learned he was showing the first signs of pulling through, conscious and acknowledging messages a nurse was relaying to him.
Chief executive Carol Potter said NHS Fife was delighted to hear of the “great strides” Brian was making in his recovery.
She said: “Mr Herd was the first Covid-19 patient in Fife to be discharged from hospital after spending time on a ventilator and you can see in the video how much it means to our staff to see him leave hospital to continue his recovery at home.
“Everyone at NHS Fife wishes Mr Herd and his family all the best for the future and we hope that he has been able to view all of the positive messages and comments that have flooded in since his story was shared.”
cpeebles@thecourier.co.uk