Filipino Survivor of COVID-19 leaves Blackpool Victoria Hospital

In late May we’d spent over two months in lockdown and for some us we’d remained safe and well but for 47 year old Roehl Ribaya he was unfortunately diagnosed with the corona virus on 29th May and was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital. It was here were he spent a total of 48 days on a ventilator. 

 

The good news is that he has come through it, having spent now 60 days on the ward and is officially the last patient to leave an intensive care unit in sunny Blackpool. 

 

The father-of-one from St Annes gave these humble words of appreciation, 

 

 "I was sure I was going to die. How can you thank people who saved your life?"

 

The Filipino aerospace engineer will now move to a general ward to complete his rehabilitation after being clapped out by intensive care staff.

 

Lead consultant Dr. Jason Cupitt reflected on the times with Roehl but warned the worst is not over yet, 

 

"It's amazing to be able to wave goodbye to our last Covid patient. It sends out the message that we have survived the first wave of this silent killer. Sadly as time goes on we will see new cases so we need to remain vigilant and keep fighting." 

 

The Filipino survivor had not seen his son for more than 60 days. He was able though to see his wife as she works as a sister at Blackpool Victoria. She will happily welcome him back home. It was his heartfelt prayers that got him through the tough times  and the backing of the local Filipino community. 

 

Speaking about the wider pandemic, Dr Cupitt revealed how he has reacted to the corona virus and how it has become the scariest yet most poignant period as a practising doctor, 

 

“ It has been the biggest emotional rollercoaster in my 19 years as a consultant. One of the hardest things was having to talk to families over the phone who could not be with their loved ones. I have seen colleagues break down in tears with the heartbreak of dealing with separated loved ones and trying to explain what could happen. There are patients I will certainly remember for the rest of my life as they were part of the most frightening and exciting time of my career."

 

A man who spent 60 days being treated for coronavirus has become the last patient to leave an intensive care unit in Blackpool.

 

^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger