The intensive care unit (ICU) team at East Surrey Hospital have been given special praise for saving the life of a local doctor who has recovered from coronavirus.
In late March, Dr Zack Fang started to experience symptoms which resulted in him needing hospital treatment. He described feeling weak and powerless as he battled to overcome the virus.
He has now thanked the staff at East Surrey Hospital, including the ICU team and staff working on Capel Annex ward, for the care he received after recovering from coronavirus. His own medical career has seen him work in over 10 NHS hospitals, but he has hardly ever needed to be treated as a patient.
Zack pictured on 8 May 2020 after being discharged from hospital.
Zack said: “East Surrey Hospital is the best, I feel that the care I received was great and every healthcare worker tried their best to provide the best care. The hospital deserves the CQC’s ‘Outstanding’ rating and I give it five-stars!”
The Medway Hospital doctor said: “As a physician, I have been involved in quality and patient safety improvement work. I very much understand how difficult it is to change culture and people, and how much hard work management have been going through for many, many years. The final product of this is to ensure patient satisfaction.”
Zack, who lives locally to East Surrey Hospital, is now successfully recovering at home and continues to receive care from the ICU team, respiratory occupational therapists and community physiotherapists. He said: “I have been booked in for two follow-up appointments. The ICU team has sent me lots of information on how to cope post-ICU and a lot of resources for further reading.”
“As I keep telling my neighbours we are lucky to have East Surrey Hospital as our local hospital. I would certainly ask my GP to refer me to the hospital for care in future.”
His encouraging words to others who may be recovering from the virus are to trust, relax and do your bit, when receiving care from healthcare professionals. Zack said: “You do not need to worry if you are receiving the best care because you are, relax; this will help everybody including your own recovery from the virus and lastly do your bit in taking practical steps and staying physical to help healthcare workers support you in getting better.”
“I know my family were worried, but my recovery makes them smile. I look forward to going back to my normal life, working and gardening.”