How 92-year-old Doncaster granddad was put on oxygen but survived deadly coronavirus

But today the pensioner is back at home after beating the disease with the help of medics and nurses at the hospital.

He is one of 23 patients that had been discharged from the DRI after being admitted with severe symptoms.

Bill was urgently admitted on Thursday April 2, and his relatives were told to brace themselves for the worst.

Testing positive for Covid-19 and pneumonia, he remained on an inpatient ward for a few days, relying on oxygen support, fluids and antibiotics.

His granddaughter Jemma Moralee, a staff nurse at the DRI said that it was a particular struggle not being able to visit him during his stay.

After days of treatment Bill has recovered from the virus and is back at home, where he is self-isolating after overcoming the serious illness.

Relatives say they are lucky to still have Bill.

Granddaughter Jemma said: “Thank you to all the amazing staff at DRI – in particular the staff from the Emergency Department, Acute Medical Unit and the Respiratory Unit -- all who played a part in getting Grandad Bill back home safe. We are forever grateful!”

Richard Parker, chief executive at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “We are so pleased for Bill and his loved ones. Bill is not alone in this either, as we can happily announce that, to-date, we discharged 23 patients from our hospitals following Covid-19 related care and treatment.

“We wish them all the very best in their continued recovery and share deep thanks with those colleagues who have supported them throughout their hospital journey.

“On a final note, I would like to urge the public to please follow Bill’s example and continue staying indoors and self-isolating. By doing this, you will be protecting those you care about and will help our amazing team to overcome this unprecedented challenge. This is a very difficult time, but with your support we will get through it”

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