For ‘inspiring’ OAP

88-year-old was victim of Covid-19 after amputation

A N “i n s pi r i n g ” OA P is recovering at home a fte r u nde rgoi ng a leg amputation before contracting coronavirus while in hospital.

Brian Valentine, 88, first visited hospital on March 15 for a doctor’s opinion on an ulcerated heel.

He was initially taken to Ninewells, where he was given the shock news his left leg would need to be amputated at the knee.

After getting through the operation, he was moved to Arbroath Royal Infirmary to make room for Covid-19 patients. However, he was then diagnosed with the virus himself.

The OAP was quickly placed in isolation, where he stayed for 16 days.

But despite his health troubles, Mr Valentine is upbeat and was full of praise for the hospital staff who cared for him. I’m just so grateful to have had the amputation in the nick of time, and I can’t praise Arbroath Infirmary enough really,” he said.

“I haven’t had a chance yet, but I want to give a donation to an organisation which supports Arbroath Royal Infirmary, the League of Friends.

“They provide equipment for the hospital, and I want to support the gym as I used the equipment there.

“It was a great experience because of the amount of attention and care I got from staff.”

And, despite being at increased risk due to his age, the pensioner only had mild Covid-19 symptoms.

“The staff, everything was marvellous,” he said.

“As soon as they knew I had the virus isolation.

“I didn’t have many problems. “I kept telling the nurses I was fine, but they would always say I was still sick.

“I had very light symptoms. “I felt very sorry, because all the nurses coming into my room had to wear masks and PPE.

“Every nurse at the infirmary is now wearing masks too.”

The pensioner left the infirmary on Monday May 11, after almost two months in hopsital.

As he walked out of hospital, he received a standing ovation from staff.

Mr Valentine has now settled back into his home in Carnoustie and is learning to adjust to life with his new prosthetic.

He said: “I’m fine. I’m keeping busy because I have a carer in

I was placed

into every morning. I have physiotherapists and nurses coming in too, and I’m doing exercises all the time.

“It’s a discipline to be able to attend to the leg all the time.

“I can’t sleep with it on because it’s got this sort of shoe, so I have to take it off, but I’m well-trained in looking after it. It’s also quite heavy.

“I’m really fine though, I get to sit in my comfy armchair.”

Many of the staff at the Angus hospital were left amazed by Brian’s recovery.

An NHS Tayside spokeswoman said: “The staff at Arbroath Infirmary would like to wish Brian all the best for the future.

“Brian’s leg was amputated below the knee and he has also recovered from Covid-19.

“Brian worked tirelessly with the physiotherapy and occupational therapy team daily.

“Everyone is inspired by what Brian has achieved and were delighted to see him walk out of hospital.”