Watch the heartwarming moment that Edinburgh coronavirus patient leaves the Royal Infirmary’s intensive care unit

An Edinburgh family are celebrating after a patient who spent 10 days in the intensive care unit at the Royal Infirmary battling coronavirus is now well enough to move ward.

On Monday evening, the Twitter account of Critical Care at the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh released a video of patient Pete Mitchell being wheeled out of the unit as medical workers in face masks and gowns applauded and cheered for him.

As Mr Mitchell crossed the threshold into the hallway, he thanked the workers for their efforts.

In the post from the official Critical Care unit account which shared the clip, an NHS spokesperson wrote: “Ten days within ICU (intensive care unit) and we are delighted to be able to move our amazing patient to HDU (high dependency unit).”

Mr Mitchell applauded and gave a thumbs up as he left

Mr Mitchell’s family responded to the tweet with praise for the NHS and the front line workers who cared for him.

Eileen Mitchell, his wife commented: “This is my husband Pete. I can’t thank you all enough for your care and attention. You’re all miracle workers and my heroes.”

His brother, Stevie Mitchell wrote: “Thank you so much for saving my brother, you’re all fantastic each and every one of you. Stay safe guys.”

Mya Liddle, Mr Mitchell’s granddaughter added: “This is my Papa, so unbelievably proud of him. So happy he’s getting better, cannot thank the NHS enough for what they’ve done for him.”

Tracey Gillies, medical director for NHS Lothian said: “We are happy that Mr Mitchell has recovered well and has been able to move from our Intensive Care Unit to a non ICU ward. Our staff continue to work very hard to provide excellent care and support to all our patients .”

As of midnight on Sunday, a total of 36 Covid-19 patients were being treated in intensive care units across the region.

Yesterday the latest Scottish Government figures revealed coronavirus cases in the NHS Lothian health board had risen from 915 to 932 – up 17 from the previous day.

Ms Sturgeon added that 6,067 people have now tested positive for the virus in Scotland, up by 155 from 5,912 the day before.

Yesterday, the daughter of a 77-year-old man, believed to be the first COVID-19 patient to be discharged from Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, told of the heart-wrenching two weeks she experienced waiting for her dad to come home.