Royal Brompton patient Sam McQueen speaks about his COVID-19 ‘journey'
COVID-19 patient Sam McQueen was transferred to Royal Brompton from Northwick Park Hospital on 22 March 2020 with severe COVID-19 related lung disease.
Sam spent time receiving intensive care treatment on Elizabeth ward (EICU) and two other wards, where his dignity, kindness and humour made him very popular with staff.
On 29 May, 72-year-old Sam was discharged in time to celebrate his son’s birthday. A number of intensive care and respiratory staff gathered to wish him well on the afternoon of his discharge.
Consultant in respiratory and sleep medicineProfessor Anita Simonds, who was part of the team who treated Sam, said: “Sam had a very complicated clinical course and went through numerous struggles during his recovery from COVID-19.
“Staff got to know him very well over the course of his time with us, and it was heart-warming to hear him speak with such fondness about our staff and the care he received.
“It was such a boost for the staff who worked so hard to keep him alive to see him go home.”
In a moving video, Sam shared his struggles battling COVID-19: “It’s been a journey for me, a rough one. One night I had a bad experience, all kinds of nightmares. It was scary. I dreamt my son died. I said ‘no, let him live and let me die’ I did not sleep for the whole night. The following night they sent me a nurse. I said you’re like my Mum. She said ‘I’m not old enough to be your Mum!’, I said ‘no it’s your touch’ very caring, so every step of the way I felt I was getting stronger.
“I began to feel the change gradually and I began to use my legs and my hands and in the past two weeks I hear folks talking about home and when I heard ‘home’ it was like another infusion of energy. Those folks who touched me they really touched my life. I’m going home. I’m so glad I’m going home. Without the NHS I wouldn’t be here today and I’m truly grateful.”
COVID-19 patient Sam McQueen, centre, leaves Royal Brompton Hospital
