Couple married 61 years leave hospital following three-week battle with COVID-19

Husband and wife of 61 years, Michael, 91 and Gillian, 88, walked out of hospital together on Friday having been admitted with COVID-19 three weeks ago.

Over the three weeks of their stay at Leicester Royal Infirmary, ward teams have watched Mr and Mrs England’s heart-warming journey to support each other as they recover from personal battles with COVID-19.

Laura Lomas, Sister on Ward 36, described how each morning during their stay, Mr England would get himself up and dressed before the therapist teams arrived, so that when he needed to exercise he could ask to walk to his wife at her bedside. 

At the same time, Mrs England would be awake, asking how her husband was and eagerly waiting for him to visit so they could sit and hold hands over a cup of tea. 

The ward staff also enabled the couple to order and eat their meals together whilst on the ward.

As the couple were discharged on Friday, Mr England described how he was looking forward to seeing his three sons and their families again and returning home to a normal life. He said: “I want to get better so I can look after my wife – first and foremost, I want to be there for Gillian. 

“While I’ve been in hospital I’ve not really missed anything because Gillian is here and I have been able to see her every day. 

“I am so grateful to all the staff who tried very hard to make sure we have been looked after on the same ward. Being discharged together, on the same day is even more special as we have been on our recovery journey together.”

Speaking about the care he and his wife received, he added: “The medical care is outstanding and I can’t describe the kindness of the nursing staff who made our stay in hospital so comfortable. They have shown such compassion to myself and Gillian in so many ways and we have felt that kindness .Kindness goes such a long way.”

Maria O'Brien 

maria.obrien@uhl-tr.nhs.uk