‘The nurses had tears in their eyes because they knew nothing about the virus – it was terrifying’ - Blackpool Vic's last Covid-19 patient leaves intensive care unit

Life has been both terrifying and exhilarating for staff in the critical care department as they have faced their own fears while battling to save some of the most seriously ill coronavirus patients.

But after 60 days of intensive treatment, aerospace engineer Roehl became the last Covid-19 patient to leave the intensive care unit.

Since the start of the outbreak, 94 patients have become ill enough to need intensive care and have been either ventilated or received intensive treatment.

Roehl, a Filipino father of one, will be the last of these patients to leave the intensive care unit and will mark the end of the first Covid wave, according to hospital bosses.

Lead consultant at the unit Dr Jason Cupitt said: “It’s amazing to be able to wave goodbye to our last Covid patient.

“While we have all become very fond of Roehl, the staff are so happy to say farewell because it sends out the message that we have survived the first wave of this silent killer.”

“In 19 years as a consultant, this has been the most emotional roller coaster.

“I remember the first cases. The nurses had tears in their eyes because they knew nothing about this new disease – it was terrifying for them.

“The staff were frightened. I liken it to sending young soldiers into battle, into the unknown, to fight an enemy they couldn’t see. I felt very responsible.”

But Jason was full of praise for the staff who worked on the unit during the first wave.

“Although you could see the fear, you could feel the determination of the staff,” he added.

“They had each other’s backs and were buddying each other.

“We bonded amazingly well as a medical and nursing team and each member became indispensable.

“Everyone had a critical role to play, for example without the domestic team we could not have continued – cleanliness was vital to allow us to operate.

“The hospital charity co-ordinating donations made life just a bit easier and showed staff they were appreciated.”

Jason, a medical officer in the Army Reserves, said his military background had helped him lead the local critical care response to coronavirus.

He added: “Military training helps you make decisions and be prepared to change them when circumstances demand. It gives you a willingness to adapt and overcome.

“Experience of all kinds became very important during this pandemic. We were dealing with a new disease.

“We had to learn very quickly. Sharing information locally, regionally and nationally became vital and medical group social media platforms were essential.

“We would have felt very isolated without this means of communication.”

Jason said staff formed bonds with many of the patients and their families.

“There are patients that I will certainly remember for the rest of my life as they were part of the most frightening and exciting time of my career,” he said.

“One of the hardest things was having to talk to families over the phone who could not be with their loved ones.

“Normally families can be with the patients and they come to understand how ill their loved one is – it helps them to prepare for potential outcomes.

“But when families have been unable to come in this is much more difficult. I have seen colleagues break down in tears with the heartbreak of dealing with separated loved ones and trying to explain what could happen.”

And yesterday the staff lined the unit so say farewell to the last patient from the first wave of the virus.

Roehl was discharged onto a general ward to complete his rehabilitation.

The 47-year-old came into hospital on May 29 and his condition deteriorated rapidly, medics said.

He was brought on to the ICU and put onto a ventilator for 48 days as he fought Covid-19.

Roehl, from St Annes, was full of praise for the staff who helped save his life.

“How can you thank the people who saved your life?” he asked.

“I have not seen my son for more than 60 days. My wife is a sister at Blackpool Victoria so I have seen her, but it will be wonderful to go home.

“I was sure I was going to die but the staff here have given me my life back. I cannot thank them enough – there are no words to describe what they have done for me.

“I also want to thank the Filipino community who have been prayer warriors and have helped me fight this battle through prayer.”

But Jason warned that while this milestone marked the end of the first wave, it was not the end of the war.

He said: “Although we are coming to the end of the first wave, Covid patients are still out in the community and it is imperative we follow the social distancing and face covering guidance to try to stem the spread of the virus.

“Sadly, as time goes on, we will see new cases, so we need to remain vigilant and keep fighting this silent disease.”

Director of operations at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Berenice Groves, said: “We are delighted to be discharging the last of our long-term intensive care Covid patients from ITU today and wish Roehl well on his journey to recovery.

“The board would also like to publicly extend their thanks to all staff who have shown such commitment during the pandemic.

“We understand the sacrifices NHS staff have made and are truly grateful for the compassion and dedication shown across all disciplines.

“We are now entering a new phase of the infection and remind the public about the importance of being vigilant and following guidelines to try to prevent further escalation of this disease and further strain on your NHS.”