WATCH: Applause as paramedic leaves Russells Hall Hospital after coronavirus fight
A paramedic who overcame coronavirus has thanked "brilliant" NHS staff after he was discharged from hospital.
Alex Flashwood, who works for West Midlands Ambulance Service, left Russells Hall Hospital after six days on ward C5 where he was treated.
Staff lined up at the Pensnett Road-based hospital, run by Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, to give him a round of applause as he was discharged.
A video was released by hospital staff to help capture the emotional moment.
He said: "I can't praise the staff enough. The care and compassion every single member of staff showed me through my journey was amazing.
"Everyone is doing an amazing job under pressures and conditions that have never been seen before.
"I'm looking forward to rebuilding my strength and getting back out to join all my NHS colleagues on the frontline in these difficult times.
"Thank you again guys and stay safe."
A Facebook post from Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust said: "Thank you for everything you and your ambulance colleagues do, Alex."
West Midlands Ambulance Service's emergency services operations delivery director, Nathan Hudson, said: “We’re all delighted to see Alex going home after treatment at Russells Hall Hospital.
"We are very grateful to all of the staff who have been looking after him so well during his time there.
"It was lovely to see all the staff seeing him off.
"We’ll be supporting Alex as he regains his health and look forward to welcoming him back to work once he has fully recovered.
“What this does show is that anyone can catch coronavirus.
"That’s why it is more important than ever that we all follow the guidance to stay at home, except for essential journeys.
"There is increasing evidence that social distancing is working so we need to redouble our efforts and embrace the message: Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives.”
