Staff at Darent Valley Hospital have thanked an 88-year-old Covid-19 patient for her "wonderful sense of humour" and hilarious stories after she left hospital this week after making a full recovery

Mrs Britton, an 88-year-old Kent resident, spent a month and a half at the Dartford hospital after contracting coronavirus in late March.

She was hit hard by the virus, spending almost the full six weeks with the respiratory team and even at one point undergoing intensive treatment to restore oxygen levels.

But on April 30, Mrs Britton was finally allowed to go home to her family after sufficiently recovering.

Sharron Chattenton, Senior Sister at the Darent Valley Hospital, told her story.

"I had been deployed back to respiratory care during the pandemic, moving to support the step down of acute respiratory patients who are still recovery," she said.

"Throughout my re-deployment, I had the pleasure of caring for Mrs Britton during her acute phase of illness right through to her discharge home."

The Senior Sister described her as a "spirited lady" who "made a huge impression on every doctor, nurse, health care assistant, physiotherapist, pharmacist and occupational therapist that had the pleasure of meeting her."

During her stay, Mrs Britton had to undergo CPAP therapy which is "very intensive treatment to restore oxygen levels", before being transfered to a ward to recover and build her physical strength.

Sharron Chattenton said: "Mrs Britton maintained a wonderful sense of humour throughout her stay.

"All of the staff are very aware that this extended time away from family is immensely challenging for our patients.

"Despite this, Mrs Britton met every challenge with true fortitude and regaled us with stories and jokes that have certainly filled shifts with laughter.

"Both teams would like to wish Mrs Britton a safe, speedy recovery. We will always think fondly of this lovely lady."