Hospital staff have waved off a brave Scots Covid-19 survivor after his gruelling four month stay.
Jim Clark has finally been discharged from Ninewells Hospital after battling the deadly disease in intensive care.
The 69-year-old Dundee man was 'determined' to go home in time to celebrate his Ruby Wedding Anniversary after 'missing so many celebrations'.
Now after spending weeks on a ventilator Jim has left the hospital with staff have lining up to cheer him on.
Jim was admitted to Ninewells Hospital on 30 November 2020 with COVID-19 and spent weeks in ICU before being moved to Ward 3 as his fight against coronavirus continued.
During his recovery he was hit by many serious infections including double pneumonia.
Now he is thanking staff who supported him throughout his journey as he is finally reunited with his family.
Jim said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff who have played their part in getting me to this stage where I can now go home.
“From the early weeks in ICU to then being here in ward 3 I cannot thank the staff enough for all that they have done for me.
"It has been an extremely anxious time for my family and I would like to praise the way that staff have helped ensure that they were kept fully informed about my care at all stages.
“Having missed so many celebrations from being ill, I was determined that I wanted to be home to celebrate our Ruby Anniversary with my wife Catriona this weekend.
“I am so pleased to be getting home and I am looking forward to the next stage of my rehabilitation as my next goal is to eventually get back to playing golf.”
Ward 3 senior staff nurse Lesley Kram said: “On behalf of the team I would like to say how delighted we all are to see Jim leave hospital. It has been an emotional journey for his family as well as for all the team who have been caring for him.
“Looking after Jim has been a real team effort and we were impressed by Jim’s determination.
"It has been inspiring to witness his steady improvement over these last few weeks which has been supported by the ward team and the physiotherapy team.
“We know that Jim missed celebrating his birthday, Christmas and New Year because of being in hospital so it’s lovely that he will be home to celebrate his Ruby Anniversary. We wish him all the best with his ongoing recovery.”
