AN ARMED forces veteran received rapturous applause from staff as he left Poole Hospital’s intensive care unit following 35 days fighting for his life after contracting coronavirus.

Stephen Parker, 62, remains in hospital as he continues to recover from COVID-19 but he is well on his way to overcoming the virus.

On his departure from critical care this week, more than 40 NHS staff who had looked after Mr Parker paid an emotional tribute to him.

Doctors, nurses and support teams lined the corridors of the unit to clap and cheer him as he was moved to a normal ward to continue on the path to good health.

Mr Parker, who is a former member of the Parachute Regiment and currently a security manager, said: “I can’t thank all the staff in critical care enough for everything they have done for me.

“They are truly amazing. I am aware that I’m staying in hospital but I feel I’m progressing every day, everyone has been fantastic.”

Eoin Scott, head of nursing and quality for surgery at Poole Hospital, said the entire team were delighted to be able to discharge Mr Parker after his coronavirus battle.

“Stephen has had a really tough battle against COVID-19 in intensive for the last five weeks and has made a remarkable recovery, given how critically ill he has been,” he said.

“He is an amazing gentleman - and a remarkable survivor. One of his first questions when he began to get better was to ask for a cup of tea.

“We wish him well in his future recovery.

“His example has given all of us real hope and inspiration during what is an incredibly challenging time.”

As reported, Bournemouth and Poole hospitals have now discharged a combined total of more than 200 patients who had contracted coronavirus.

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