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A Cambridgeshire nurse, who has cared for thousands of patients, has been successfully treated for coronavirus.

Alison Riseley, 54, has worked as a critical care nurse for 28 years at Royal Papworth Hospital.

However, during the past week, she has had an entirely different experience of the hospital after being admitted as a patient herself.

She said: “I can’t be certain where I caught coronavirus, but I had been off work because of my asthma so it must have been picked up in the community rather than at the hospital.

"I was still going to the pharmacy to pick up essential medication that I needed, so it could have been there - I just don’t know,”

“At first my symptoms were mild so I was getting by without any real problems, but those symptoms suddenly became more severe; I was increasingly breathless and had no sense of taste or smell. After seeking medical advice I was taken to my local hospital last Thursday.”

Alison was swabbed for COVID-19 – the test came back positive – but with her conditioning worsening she was transferred to Royal Papworth Hospital just 24 hours later, where she was given oxygen.

Having spent the weekend in the specialist heart and lung hospital’s critical care unit – the same unit in which she normally works as a sister – Alison was then discharged to a ward to complete her recovery before being allowed home yesterday (Friday 17 April).

NHS Thanks a Million It is something that has, at some point, touched all our lives. From cradle to grave, the National Health Service, and the incredible professionals within it who care for us, is a part of British life. Today, more than ever, we should cherish those who dedicate themselves to our care, heedless of own health as they work tirelessly to care for people in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic. Nurses and others - employed by the NHS and any other part of health and care - we have never needed them more. So let’s show them some love, and create a living map of gratitude from every corner of Britain - visit www.thanksamillionnhs.co.uk to drop a heart on the map wherever you are in the world. By dropping a heart on the map, you’re saying you appreciate the efforts undertaken daily in the NHS. Thanks a million, NHS workers - we love you

"It felt like I was coming home"

“It was so strange when I was told I was being taken to Royal Papworth, yet at the same time extremely comforting because it felt like I was coming home and knew I would be in the best hands.

"One of my colleagues who is also a very good friend came in to look after me two nights in a row, which provided me with a lot of comfort, alongside seeing all the other familiar faces and fantastic nurses, too.

“When you are a nurse you are used to looking after others and it was tough not being able to look after myself, as well as having that added insight into what might be happening and the treatment that I would need.

“It was scary. I’m a mother and grandmother and you have all these thoughts running through your head at once, but I’m feeling much better now and thrilled to be going home.

“I just want to thank all staff for their excellent care and compassion. I am thinking of them all and sending them my love and best wishes.

“Anyone can get this, at any time, so please do stay at home and only leave for essential trips. It’s so important to follow the advice and keep safe.”

Royal Papworth Hospital Charity’s COVID-19 appeal is aiming to raise vital funds for staff support, research, and patient welfare.

You can find out more at papworthhospitalcharity.org.uk/appeal/the-royal-papworth-hospital-staff-appeal.