A nurse who made national headlines after being applauded out of intensive care following a fight against COVID-19 is now back at work and has thanked all who wished her well.
Earlier this year, Millie Magadlela spent three days on a ventilator in the critical care unit of the University Hospital of North Tees, the very hospital she works at.
Video footage of her being wheeled out of the ward to a round of applause from medical staff went viral online. It soon prompted national media interest, including a live interview on Good Morning Britain.
Millie said “I’m thrilled to be back after four long months at home recovering. I was a bit apprehensive about how my first day back would be. But it’s been lovely to get back into a routine and I’ve loved seeing all my colleagues and friends.
“I had a warm welcome on the ward by everyone. They were all so happy to see me back saying ‘You look amazing’ and ‘You look great!’. That made my day and my anxiety started to ease and I became more relaxed.
“To be back at work has given me a huge boost for my mental, physical and emotional health.
“I was a bit tired when I got home at the end of the shift. And I’d already been informed by our occupational health team that I would feel a little more tired due to post COVID-19 fatigue.
“I’d like to thank everyone who supported me before and during my illness. The medical staff who cared for me, my friends, family and colleagues who stood by me and for the hundreds of lovely comments on social media from people I haven’t met but all wished me well.”
Welcome back
Medical director Deepak Dwarakanath said: “Welcome back Millie!
“We’re thrilled Millie has recovered and is back with us, doing the job she has some 40 years’ experience in. Millie is a highly valued and skilled nurse. And I know the whole Trust joins me in welcoming her back ‘home’.”