Thank you. That’s the message from one patient to the nurses at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust who looked after her after she was hospitalised due to coronavirus (Covid-19).

Sarah Salway, from Tunbridge Wells, was already self-isolating at home due to developing coronavirus symptoms before she was admitted to Tunbridge Wells Hospital on 19 March.

The 59 year old British poet, novelist and writing tutor, said: “I thought I was recovering but then I suddenly developed a continuous cough, felt breathless and had a temperature.

“The following day my partner dialled NHS 111. Paramedics were sent to my house and I was taken to Tunbridge Wells Hospital for tests.  I thought I would be there just for the morning, but I ended up being admitted after I tested positive for coronavirus.”

Sarah was placed on an isolation ward before being moved to a respiratory ward for oxygen treatment. After a second swab for coronavirus came back negative she was then given a course of antibiotics to treat pneumonia which had been caused by the virus.

“To begin with I didn’t really know what was going on and I felt too poorly to even think about what was happening to me,” she said.

“Obviously there were no visitors but I knew I was in the right place and was grateful for that.

“Every time the nursing staff had to come into my room they had to protect themselves with masks and aprons etc, but they were so professional and caring. They treated me like a human being, even when I could barely speak a word to them because I felt so ill. I will never stop being grateful to them. There were moments of real kindness too – one of the paramedics came back especially to wish me luck, a Doctor spent time making sure I understood what he was saying, the nurses made me laugh, and a night nurse even came in to my room just to make sure I wasn’t scared – that I will never forget.

“I have always loved and supported the NHS but I am now even more full of respect. I don’t think any house clapped louder than ours on Thursday 26 March when people across the country stood outside their houses and clapped in support of the NHS. After this, I hope we don’t forget how much we owe them, and what’s important to a healthy society.”

Six days after being admitted Sarah was discharged from hospital. She is now back at home making a full recovery.

She added “It’s one of the scariest experiences I’ve ever been through but I have come out the other end so I’m proof that there is hope.

“I went out for a walk around the block for the first time in three weeks on Monday (30 March) and I was wobbly and tearful and very nervous. I know I need to take it easy but I’m looking forward to doing some home yoga and simple things like concentrating enough to read a book.

“My message to everyone else is, please keep following the national guidance and stay at home – by doing so you can not only help save lives but also protect the NHS.”

If you are worried you have coronavirus symptoms visit NHS 111 online – https://111.nhs.uk – to find out what to do, or call 111 if you can’t get help online.

For the latest Government advice on coronavirus visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus