BOURNEMOUTH and Poole hospitals have now discharged a combined total of more than 200 patients who had contracted coronavirus.

Providing a weekly update on the number of COVID-19 patients had been discharged, Royal Bournemouth Hospital reported its figure stood at 123 people, while Poole Hospital said its total had reached 83.

These figures were up from 108 and 66 from a week previous for the two health care facilities.

At Royal Bournemouth Hospital, this included member of staff nurse Michell Flores, who had been admitted to the intensive care unit during his battle against the virus.

Amy Evans, sister on Ward 26, said: “It’s a huge sense of achievement and pride when someone goes homes after being treated for Covid-19.

"While some of our patients are only with us a few days before going home, others come to us from ICU and it’s quite overwhelming at times to see their journey and watch them get stronger with our support.

"It’s humbling to know we are making a difference, and it’s extra special when that patient is a member of our team, like Michell."