British coronavirus survivor, 85, receives emotional send-off by medics at a Columbian hospital who line up applaud her as she is wheeled out
- She arrived at the clinic in Cartagena, Colombia, from cruise liner MS Braemer
- 85-year-old, who’s not been named, was given an emotional farewell from staff
- Staff at the Medihelp Clinic lined up to applaud her as she was wheeled outside
- Her son John said an emotional thank you outside the building in separate video
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A British coronavirus survivor, 85, was wheeled out of a Colombian hospital to rapturous applause by medical staff.
The Briton, who has not been named, arrived at the Medihelp Clinic in Cartagena, Colombia in critical condition after being taken off the stricken cruise liner MS Braemer last month.
Yesterday, after her son John thanked hospital staff for saving her life, health workers lined up to cheer for the pensioner as she left their care after winning her battle against the bug.
A British coronavirus survivor, 85, was wheeled out of a Colombian hospital to rapturous applause by medical staff
Coronavirus has killed more than 42,000 people world-wide.
The woman was filmed returning the applause before raising her hands to her head in disbelief at the sweet send-off.
She gave one nurse a hug with her face mask still on as she was helped out of her wheelchair and into a waiting car.
The Briton, who has not been named, arrived at the Medihelp Clinic in Cartagena, Colombia in critical condition after being taken off the stricken cruise liner MS Braemer last month
John, who flew from his home in Oxford to be by his mother’s side, watched on as she was assisted outside the clinic.
The pair will likely have to remain in Colombia until it opens its borders unless a repatriation flight can be arranged.
The Briton became Cartagena’s first coronavirus case after falling ill on board MS Braemar and being taken to hospital on March 8.
She gave one nurse a hug with her face mask still on as she was helped out of her wheelchair and into a waiting car
Cuba later offered a safe haven to the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines ship, allowing it to dock there so healthy passengers could return home.
A spokesman for the Medihelp Clinic confirmed last night night: ‘The patient has been discharged after her good recovery.’
Two women and a man thought to have been involved in her care are believed to have also caught coronavirus and were quarantined.
Her son John – speaking before she was allowed to leave hospital – said an emotional thank you outside the building
The woman was filmed returning the applause before raising her hands to her head in disbelief at the sweet send-off
Her son – speaking before she was allowed to leave hospital – said in an emotional thank you outside the building: ‘I am the son of my mum who is a patient at the hospital here.
‘On March 8 she was diagnosed with Covid-19 and brought to the hospital from a cruise ship.
‘My experience of the clinic has been fantastic. I’ve been kept informed every time I’ve asked about my mum when I’ve not been in Colombia but also when I have been here.
The Briton (pictured as medics bid her farewell) became Cartagena’s first coronavirus case after falling ill on board MS Braemar and being taken to hospital on March 8
‘I’ve been really impressed by the standards of medical care from the nurses and doctors.
‘I’ve been impressed by their dedication and professionalism. Their level of knowledge and communication has put my mind at ease.
‘They have saved my mum’s life. She was critical when she reached the hospital and how she is much much better.’
Colin Martin-Reynolds, British Ambassador to Colombia, said: ‘We are very happy. Thank you to the medical team in Cartagena.’