Burton colleagues' guard of honour as Julie beats COVID-19
A member of staff has become the first patient admitted to Intensive Care at Queen’s Hospital Burton to be discharged after beating COVID-19.
Julie Webb, a member of the Domestic Team, spent 33 days in hospital after being admitted to Intensive Care on 8 April. She was placed into an induced coma and spent 20 days on the unit before being transferred to Ward 20 where she continued her recovery.
But today (11 May 2020), Julie was discharged to a guard of honour as she made her way home to her family.
Julie, from Swadlincote, said: “The staff on the ward told me that a few people had come along to see me leave, but I wasn’t expecting half as many people as that. Lots of people were there, clapping and cheering, including my friends from my team.
“It was such a relief to be sent home. It was such an ordeal but all of the staff who were involved in my care have been fantastic. I can’t fault anybody.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone, you’ve been perfect and I couldn’t have received better care.”
Lesley Catlin, Facilities Manager for Domestic Services and Julie’s line manager at Queen’s Hospital Burton, said it was hard to put into words the emotions of the team: “We’re all delighted Julie’s made it through. She’s been with us since 2004 and is such a popular member of the team, always smiling and laughing.
“It’s been a tough time for the team recently following the passing of our colleague Eileen Landers, so we can’t express how we feel today. No doubt there are still many steps for us and Julie to take, but this is fantastic news.”
The team in Intensive Care who looked after Julie added: “It’s very rewarding and emotional to see someone recover and go home, especially as Julie is a member of the staff family here at Queen’s.”
Now that she’s back home with her partner and youngest daughter, Julie has got her eyes set on enjoying some “proper food”.
She said: “I’ve been on a puree diet for a while now, so I’m really looking forward to my dinner tonight. We’re having a chilli!”