A COVID patient has left critical care after fighting the virus for more than ten weeks.

Teresita Eugenio, 49, from Southend, spent 74 days on a ventilator and sedated at Southend Hospital's critical care unit, and initially wasn’t making much progress.

At one point there was a real worry that she might not survive.

But she didn't give up, and yesterday waved her thanks to staff as she finally left the unit.

Senior Nurse Nina Hatch said: "In the past two or three weeks Teresita has turned a corner and started to make remarkable progress.

"To be able to deliver this news to her family has been one of the most rewarding situations for us.”

Ms Eugenio, who is originally from the Philippines, still has a long road to recovery.

Before being moved to her new ward to continue her road back to health, she said: “The staff are all wonderful. They have made this all possible.”

Her good friend Lydia added: "They are all my angels, and my thanks are not enough.

"The family extend their huge gratitude as well."