Senior officer who battled Covid-19 returns to work with West Midlands Police
A senior police officer in the West Midlands who spent nearly two weeks in intensive care fighting coronavirus has started a phased return to work.
Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby was admitted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital on March 29 after showing symptoms of Covid-19.
Days later, the father-of-three was placed on a ventilator in intensive care as he was unable to breathe for himself and the oxygen levels in his blood had plummeted.
He spent around a fortnight in intensive care, most of the time heavily sedated, as doctors and nurses kept him alive while his body fought back against the virus.
But on April 21, he was able to ring the hospital ward bell in front of delighted NHS staff as he was discharged to continue his recovery back home with his loved ones.
Chief Supt Dolby revealed on Twitter on Monday that he was starting a phased return back to work at West Midlands Police.
In his tweet, he said: "March 29 I was taken by West Midlands Ambulance Service to Worcestershire Hospitals Acute NHS Trust with Covid-19.
"I was there for a month, including two week coma. I went home on April 21 barely walking.
"Today, June 8, I start a phased return to work at West Midlands Police."
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Chief Supt Dolby has been on the force for more than two decades and served as a Detective Chief Inspector based in Dudley for two years until 2016, when he became temporary superintendent.
He was appointed Head of Criminal Justice Services in February this year.
