It was cheers and applause all round at Goodmayes Hospital as NHS staff waved a fond farewell to Mr Patel, 187 days after he was first admitted to hospital with COVID-19.

Before being transferred to the rehabilitation and recovery ward at the hospital in Ilford, Mr Patel, 63, had spent four months in intensive care at King George Hospital, two of those under sedation. His story even caught the attention of national news and he appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain via video call from his hospital bed to share the story about his recovery from coronavirus.

Mr Patel continued his recovery thanks to the help of the specialist nurses at Goodmayes Hospital, which is run by North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT), including physiotherapists who helped him slowly regain his strength through a programme of exercises.

And almost six months to the day after being rushed to hospital, Mr Patel, a building manager from nearby Chadwell Heath, is now home continuing his recovery, where he’s being supported by his wife and two daughters.

As he was finally discharged, he thanked everyone from the NHS who has cared for him during his 187 days in hospitals.

Mr Patel said: “The NHS saved my life, and I can’t thank everyone enough, they are all angels. It was the best treatment I’ve ever had – anything I needed and they were there.

“From the doctors to the nurses to the cleaners, everyone has been amazing. I’m so excited to now go home and be with my family.

“It’s been an eventful journey.”

Wellington Makala, Integrated Care Director, at NELFT, said: “Mr Patel made a remarkable recovery from COVID-19 after spending more than six months in hospital care. All our acute and rehabilitation teams work hard to ensure patients receive the care and support they need when recovering from serious illnesses.

“I’d like to say a special thank you to all our staff on Mr Patel’s ward in Goodmayes Hospital for their outstanding efforts, and to all our NHS colleagues who have cared for him since April. Their hard work and care means that Mr Patel has now returned home to his family.”

Siletheni Sibanda, best known as ‘Sister Lettie’, Ward Manager, said: “Seeing Mr Patel going home after 187 days makes us really proud, and I’m proud of the care our team have given him during our recovery.