Grateful patient thanks NHS staff who saved his life

When Graeme Scott contracted Covid-19 in March 2020, he deteriorated very quickly and, within days of becoming unwell, was admitted to the intensive care unit at University Hospital of North Durham where he was ventilated and sedated.

Despite having previously undergone a kidney transplant, which led to diabetes, Graeme, who was 49 at the time, led a full life including working full time. But these pre-existing health conditions meant Graeme became incredibly unwell, spending six months in hospital in total; including a period under the transplant specialists at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle and several weeks in rehabilitation at Bishop Auckland Hospital.

Thanks to excellent care, and perhaps against the odds, Graeme's family were delighted to welcome him back to his Stanley home in September 2020 where, in many ways, the hardest work began - he had very limited mobility and suffered from a shortness of breath and other complications.

Graeme continues to receive care at home from physio and occupational therapy community teams from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, amongst others, and has made enormous progress, showing great perseverance and determination.

Graeme says he will never forget and always be grateful to the very many people involved in saving his life - all the medical and nursing staff, ward hostesses, domestics, porters, hospital and community based therapists not forgetting laboratory and pharmacy teams - plus many more.

Last week, Graeme got in touch with the Trust via email, saying: "I just wanted to share with you the photograph attached. It shows me walking my daughter down the aisle on September 11th this year.

"I'd be grateful if you could share it with all the staff at UHND and BAH, and everyone else, to show what their unbelievable efforts and dedication during the pandemic achieved. Without them this would not have been possible.

"Please pass on my love and gratitude and let them know that they made the difference."