Richard Bates: Back home in time for 50th birthday | Latest news

Richard Bates, of Aspley, is celebrating his 50^th birthday today (25 May) at home with his family.

Just a few weeks earlier, he was being cared for by teams of doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals at Nottingham University Hospitals, after he was diagnosed with the Coronavirus.

Richard spent around three weeks in hospital and he had a rollercoaster of a journey, that he said was unpredictable at times.

“The doctors and nurses at the hospital were so forthcoming and the care they gave me was amazing. I cannot say that enough,” he said.

“This is an evil virus and it is not one that I would wish upon anybody.

“For a few days I was doing really well and then suddenly things dramatically changed and I was put on to a ventilator for seven days.

"It has been difficult and there are a couple of weeks that I do not remember anything about.”

Richard initially became concerned about his health after he became very unwell. He called 111 and was advised to go to a healthcare centre.

It was from here that Richard was admitted to the Respiratory Assessment Unit at City Hospital on the 11^th April and after an assessment he was moved on to a ward.

He was then told that he had been tested positive for the Coronavirus.

 “After a week of incredible care I was still not improving, so I was moved to the Intensive Care Unit,” Richard said.

“Two days later I was put on a ventilator to give me the best chance to survive.

“One long week passed and they woke me and within another 48 hours I was on a Covid Rehab ward to focus on my recovery.”

Rehabilitation for patients starts in the Intensive Care Unit, including those who have coronavirus.

Therapists in the hospital are already looking at how to facilitate early engagement in activities of daily living, including washing and dressing, early mobilisation, building strength and helping these patients to communicate again.

The specially designed wards at the hospital - which are called step down units - provide a wide range of support including, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and dieticians.

Richard said the staff on the rehabilitation wards we’re encouraging and gave praise every step of the way.

“Because I was in a hospital bed for so long I lost so much strength that I pretty much had to learn how to walk again but the team could not have done enough for me,” he said.

“With the best care from the whole team, I was discharged home to my amazing family and friends on the 5^th May.

“I have never felt so much love from so many people. My recovery will be slow but determination and love will get me through.

“I cannot thank everyone enough, not just for the love you have all shown me but for the support given to my family.”

A collection has been started by Richard’s family and friends to say thank you to the Trust for his care.

John Ridgway, an Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist in Critical Care at Nottingham University Hospitals, said: “Richard made excellent progress in his rehabilitation on intensive care and while on the step down unit.

“We wish Richard well in his ongoing recovery and all the best for the future.

“It has been a privilege to be a part of his recovery and we are wishing him a very Happy Birthday.”