Jonathan Wint was in the Manor Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit for 28 days – many of those on a ventilator – but today he became Walsall Healthcare’s first tracheotomy patient to go home.

Staff from ICU joined colleagues on Ward 17 to give the 47-year-old a round of applause send-off as he left his hospital bed. He has been on the ward since mid-April.

“I know now that I was so ill there were many times when staff didn’t think I’d make it,” said the Bilston grandfather.

“Thanks to the fantastic staff here who have saved my life. They have been amazing, truly amazing.”