'I wouldn't be here without them': 85-year-old coronavirus survivor applauded by staff as she leaves Blackpool hospice

Patricia Wallace, 85, was diagnosed with coronavirus at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in February 2020.

Just three weeks after her diagnosis, she was told by doctors she was unlikely to survive due to her deteriorating health.

Between states of unconsciousness, Patricia chose to spend her last days at Trinity Hospice in Blackpool, where she was even given her last rites.

However, she 'miraculously' began to recover and, against all odds, has now tested negative for the virus and is well enough to go home.

Staff have put the recovery down to her sheer determination, but Patricia says Trinity's doctors and nurses are the real hero's.

"It's them, talking to me all the time, even when I was unconscious, that got me through," Patricia said.

"I simply wouldn't be here without them."

Patricia, who is originally from Whitley Bay in the North East, fell at her home in Marton in February.

After being taken to hospital with a broken wrist she was diagnosed with severe anaemia.

She was given two blood transfusions and IV antibiotics, before returning home a week later with her arm in a plaster cast.

Two days later she developed a "terrible" cough.

Patricia said: "I had some awareness of coronavirus as it had been on the news, but I didn't think of it when I was coughing. I was having carers in twice a day after my fall, and as soon as they saw me they knew I had to go to hospital.

"As soon as I got there they said I had it. I was so poorly, and developed pneumonia as well. They put a mask on my face and it was just horrendous.

"I knew I was going to die."

Patricia explains before she left the hospital she didn't know where or who she was, but she says she was never left alone by the hospice staff.

"For two days I really was on my way out of this world," Patricia said.

"I remember thinking 'just let me fall asleep. I'm ready'. I wasn't scared. I just wanted it to be over because I was so ill.

"But I was never alone, and the amazing staff at the hospice were taking to me all the time; getting me through."

Trinity works closely with care homes across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, and have arranged for Patricia to stay temporarily in a care home near to where she lives while she waits for work to be carried out at her home.

Medical Director Dr Gill Au said: "Patricia is our third patient to go home. That's three people who came in specifically for end of life care, yet they have recovered and gone home.

"Our whole local health and social care system has worked incredibly hard together to ensure the best possible care and support for affected patients and families through this dreadful Covid-19 emergency.

"Patricia's recovery is a testament to this fantastic collaborative effort."

Patricia, a trained nurse who taught at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in the 1970s, was involved in fundraising for the hospice with its founder, Dr David Cooper.

Now, as Trinity Hospice celebrates its 35th anniversary, Patricia is leaving the hospice as a Covid-19 survivor.

Patricia added: "I have more underlying health issues than anyone, having had a heart attack five years ago and macular degeneration, and I have come out the other side of it

"It is thanks, completely, to the amazing staff at the hospice. They are the reason I am here today."

Trinity Hospice launched an emergency appeal in April to help plug a £1m funding gap caused by the cancellation of its fundraising events and the closure of all its high street shops.

The appeal has raised more than £100,000 so far.

The hospice is not part of the NHS and must raise more than £6m a year from voluntary donations to keep its doors open.

To help Trinity Hospice make its emergency appeal a success, donate by visiting www.trinityhospice.co.uk/appeal or call (01253) 358881.