Staff member credits Trust for saving his life from Covid-19 complications | News
Staff member credits Trust for saving his life from Covid-19 complications
A 45-year-old staff member at the Trust has been discharged after eight weeks in Intensive Care battling Covid-19.
Chris Bowers from Guildford spent 85 days in Intensive Care at Royal Surrey after first contracting Covid-19 in March.
Chris, an asthma sufferer, was already ill with a chest infection when he began to suffer from fatigue and shortness of breath. After finding him semi-conscious at his home one evening, his brother called an ambulance.
Chris said his overriding memory of that time was a feeling of being "completely dazed and tired".
After being admitted to hospital, Chris had to have significant ventilatory support for eight weeks whilst his body battled the virus.
During this time, he suffered multiple complications, including three heart attacks, kidney failure, sepsis, blood transfusions and the collapse of his windpipe.
After nearly dying multiple times, Chris miraculously managed to pull through and is now on the road to recovery.
Speaking about the team who saved his life, Chris said:
"The whole experience was extremely frightening but I had a huge amount of trust in the doctors and nurses looking after me. They were amazing and I cannot thank them enough for not giving up and keeping me on this planet.
"Their commitment and care was just fantastic and I am more grateful than I can ever say.
"If anyone takes anything from my story, I hope it is of the need to stay vigilant of the virus and maintain social distancing at all times."
On his discharge to Haslemere Community Hospital for an 18-day rehabilitation programme, Chris was applauded by his colleagues who lined the corridors to wish him luck.
Chris commented on how his colleagues, family and friends lifted his spirits whilst isolated in Intensive Care and said:
"My team would come up in their lunch breaks to the window in Intensive Care and wave at me through the glass. They would also talk to me over the phone and help keep my spirits up, during a challenging time."
Although Chris now faces a long road to recovery, he is maintaining a positive mental attitude and cannot wait to be home with his friends and family.