MORE than 170 people have now been discharged from hospitals in the Bournemouth and Poole area after contracting coronavirus.

Following on from the 78 discharged from the Royal Bournemouth Hospital last week, a further 30 have been released, taking the total to 108.

Since March 12, Poole Hospital has released 66 Covid-19 patients, meaning the total for the BCP area stands at 174.

Of the 66 discharged is 49-year-old Alex Ruzyllo.

Mr Ruzyllo was admitted to hospital on April 1 and put in intensive care, where he spent 10 days.

He said: “In intensive care the first thing I saw was a patient on a ventilator, and I was given oxygen through a mask. It was very difficult but I stayed positive.

“I wouldn’t be here today without the staff at the hospital. They were there, on hand, day and night, 24/7.”

Medical director at Poole Hospital, Dr Matt Thomas, said: "This week we saw our 66th Covid-19 patient discharged from hospital to continue their onward recovery.

“Staff are also very aware that not every family will get their loved one home but recognise the importance of celebrating stories of recovery to give people real hope during these very challenging times.”

Alex will continue medication to build his strength up after he leaves hospital and is determined to do whatever it takes to get back to good health.

Claire Conlan, ward sister for Ward 24 at Royal Bournnemouth Hospital said "there's nothing like" seeing someone leave hospital.

She said: "Caring for our patients is an absolute privilege and it’s the most wonderful feeling to see people getting better and returning to their families.

"When you see someone leaving hospital, there really is nothing like it, it’s heart-warming and a real moment of pride. It’s in those moments we know we are making a difference.”

Associate director of operations at RBCH, BJ Waltho, said: “We have got some really good stories of people.

“An elderly couple, a husband and wife, came in from a care home and were both very, very poorly.

“We nursed them together in a ward, so they could be together, and they both went home and they were in their nineties.”