Couple’s thanks to hospital colleagues for their COVID-19 care

Date: 20 April 2020

Couple thanks

A couple who both work for Medway NHS Foundation Trust say their colleagues saved their lives after they contracted COVID-19.

Simon Buckingham, who works in the IT department, and his fiancée Shelly Coombs who is in the Clinical Systems team, were both treated at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Simon said: “Without the NHS neither I nor my partner would be here. Without the doctors, nurses and others we would be dead; we owe our lives to the NHS.

“Our colleagues at Medway Maritime Hospital put their own lives on the line to save ours and I can’t ever begin to thank them for what they have done.”

Both Simon and Shelly were in a serious condition and there were fears that they may not make it.  They spent time under the care of the High Dependency Unit (HDU) and believe that without the diligence, care and support of the staff, the outcome could have been very different.

Simon added: “The whole team were amazing and despite the workload, people were positive and so supportive.  There was a moment where they didn’t think I would pull through and Shelly also had a close call.  However, the professionalism and sheer dedication of the staff was something to make us all so proud and truly saved our lives.”

Simon and Shelly are now continuing their recovery together from home and Simon has even resumed working remotely.

Chief Executive, James Devine said:  “We are all so happy that Simon and Shelly have made such a good recovery. The care they received is testament to the incredible staff we have here at Medway and the dedication and compassion they show to every patient.

“We all wish them well in their continued recovery.”

  • Summary:

    A couple who both work for Medway NHS Foundation Trust say their colleagues saved their lives after they contracted COVID-19.