A Suffolk paramedic was among 49 Covid-19 patients discharged from hospital this week, and will be getting a new dog after surviving the illness.

The frontline worker, who has asked not to be identified, has praised colleagues at Ipswich hospital who saved his life.

His family has also thanked his colleagues and friends who raised more than £1,000 to be able to buy a chocolate-coloured Labrador, which was among the first things he asked for after recovering.

The paramedic, who has a wife and two children, had been working extra shifts before contracting Covid-19 and taking ill and taken to hospital by colleagues.

NHS staff at the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) which controls Ipswich and Colchester Hospitals, discharged 49 patients this week, which takes the number of people they have saved since the outbreak to 289 coronavirus victims.

A Trust spokesman said: "These patients are home thanks to the care and dedication of all #TeamsESNEFT colleague."

Lives Lost

The Trust has also confirmed 17 people with Covid-19 symptoms have died at Ipswich Hospital since last Friday.

Nick Hulme, Chief Executive for East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We can confirm the patients with underlying health conditions, have sadly passed away at Ipswich Hospital. They had all tested positive for COVID-19.

"Our thoughts and condolences remain with the patient's families and loved ones at this difficult time."