The first Covid-19 survivor in Fife to be released from hospital after being on a ventilator was applauded by staff as he left.
Brian Herd, 70, spent 51 days in Victoria Hospital, having been diagnosed with the virus on March 17.
Delighted staff formed a guard of honour and applauded him as he walked unaided from the Kirkcaldy site.
His daughter Cassandra Murray later thanked the “NHS superheroes” involved in his care for “saving dad’s life”.
Brian, who has asthma and a heart condition, spent 21 days on a ventilator.
He was rushed to hospital on March 15 and diagnosed with Covid-19 two days later.
As the virus struck his lungs and ravaged his body he was transferred to intensive care.
During his first week in hospital, Brian’s condition deteriorated and his family were told that the longer he spent on a ventilator the less likely he was to come off it.
In a post on Facebook, Cassandra wrote: “The family was in shock, filled with fear and a little hope, although deep down the family knew that if anyone had the dogged determination required to defeat this evil virus then dad was the man for the job.
“The first week seen dad slowly deteriorating, with the doctors and nurses trying different antibiotics, medication, oxygen and ventilation modes, having varying results.”
Fearing the worst, on April 3 relatives took out nice glasses he had bought them and raised a toast to him.
Cassandra added: “The very next morning when I called the hospital, the nurse was sat beside his bed, he was conscious and acknowledging the messages that the nurse was relaying to him.
“The first, but very significant sign, that dad was pulling through.”
Brian has now been home for a week.
Cassandra said: “He is already walking around the block, going up and down his stairs and is full of his usual cheek and humour.”
NHS Fife said: “Last night we shared a post from the daughter of Brian Herd, who spent 21 days on a ventilator at the Victoria Hospital following a diagnosis of Covid-19.
“We were delighted to learn that Brian has made such great progress at home and is continuing his recovery journey.
“Brian was the first Covid-19 patient in Fife to be successfully discharged from hospital following intubation.
“Our nursing team on Ward 42, where Brian spent a large portion of his time, captured the moment he left hospital and what it meant to everyone involved in his care.”
