The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Pensioner in double whammy of Covid-19 and leg amputation
Carnoustie man praises treatment he received from nurses at Arbroath Royal Infirmary
An inspiring pensioner is recovering at home after undergoing 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 and 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 and was placed in isolation, where he stayed for 16 days.
Mr Valentine said: “I’m just so grateful to have had the amputation in the nick of time, and I can’t praise Arbroath Infirmary enough really.
“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.
“As soon as they knew I had the virus I was placed into 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, after almost two months in hospital.
As he left, 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.
Many of the staff at the hospital were left amazed by Brian’s recovery.
An NHS Tayside spokeswoman said: “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.”
Everyone is inspired by what Brian has achieved and were delighted to see him walk out of hospital. NHS TAYSIDE SPOKESWOMAN