Coronavirus survivor recovers after 35 days in intensive care
A father-of-one from Newcastle-under-Lyme has survived coronavirus after spending 35 days in intensive care.
Stephen Gibson, who is a former NHS estate manager, also spent 12 of those days on a ventilator during his time in an induced coma at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Stephen was admitted in early April and he was a familiar face to the staff. Mr Gibson had worked there for 40 years as an electrical supervisor.
Medical Director Doctor John Oxtoby said: “Stephen Gibson was a much-valued member of the estate's team.
"He worked for us for 40 years before retiring and it has been a privilege for our teams of doctors and nurses to help him in his recovery."
But Stephen's family say the past five weeks have been tough.
His son Adam said: "I've not been able to see my mum or dad - it hasn't been the best. It's the first time my mum has ever been without him since they've been together so it was a big relief when he wasdischarged."
Stephen is now back at his home after being discharged from the Hartshill complex this week.
Adam added: "The not knowing has been the worst thing. You see it on the news and try not to watch it but you hear it on everything. "
The 27-year-old is full of praise for the Royal Stoke staff. He shared a video of his dad leaving the hospital on social media.
He said: "The doctors and nurses have been brilliant. When you calledintensive care, the information they gave was brilliant.
"Then he went on a renal ward as his kidneys took a bit of a hit. You could ring them any time - we couldn't ask for anything more from them.
"He's just taking it day by day now. He's lost a lot of weight but he'll be better when he starts eating again and gets his strength back up."
More than 400 patients have so far been discharged from the Royal Stoke after surviving coronavirus.
Medical Director Doctor John Oxtoby said: “It is wonderful to be able to see Stephen, along with the 438 patients who have all been discharged and reunited with their families after being cared for in our hospitals at Royal Stoke and at County Hospital, Stafford.
“It really is a testament to the hard work, compassionate care and dedication that our staff provide.”
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