Watch touching moment staff at Edinburgh's Royal Infirmary applaud Covid-19 survivor

The moving video shows nurses applaud the man as he exits the ward.

Nurses working on a ward at Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary have released a touching video of staff clapping and cheering what is believed to be the first coronavirus patient to be discharged from their care.

The clip, which was posted by the hospital’s General and Vascular Surgical (GaVS) team on social media, shows an elderly man pumping his fist in triumph as he walks through a corridor lined with nursing staff applauding him as he leaves ward 105 to meet his family.

The heartwarming video quickly went viral, gathering over 2,800 likes since it was posted last night at 7:40pm, with dozens paying tribute to the staff and the patient.

Kirsty Anne Jack wrote on Twitter: “What a wonderful send off! Great job xxx”

Leanne McOmish, echoed the sentiment tweeting: “Absolutely amazing to see. Hats off to all the staff at the royal as well, not all hero’s wear capes Smiling face with smiling eyes.”

Fellow nurse Julie McLaughlin added: “Fabulous video this is why we do our job to see people get home after a long journey. Well done ICU &105 team.”

Tracey Gillies ,NHS Lothian Medical Director said: “It is great to see patients leaving hospital after being successfully treated and cared for to recover from Covid-19.

The touching moment was captured on film by the staff at the ERI.

“It is obviously an enormous relief and delight for families, who are not able to visit their loved ones in hospital. Clinical teams are working very hard in a difficult situation to deliver high quality patient care so it’s uplifting for them too to see patients get well.

“We thank the public for continuing to stay home over this Easter weekend to help limit the spread of the virus, reduce pressure on our services and ultimately help save lives.”

A charity appeal has already been launched to support NHS Lothian, its tireless staff and some of the most vulnerable patients during this outbreak.

The NHS Lothian Covid-19 Appeal has so far raised more than £223,000 of its £1m target on its JustGiving page.

Donate now at JustGiving or text NHSLothian to 70490 to donate £5.