A SENIOR police officer has thanked the NHS staff who saved his life at a Worcester hospital after his battle with coronavirus.

Chief Supt Phil Dolby, former police chief for Dudley, is beginning the road to recovery from coronavirus after being discharged from hospital.

He is now back home with his family after spending 26 days in the Worcestershire Royal Hospital, including time on a ventilator on the intensive care unit.

Taking to Twitter to share the good news, Mr Dolby said: "After 26 days, I have been discharged from @WorcsAcuteNHS and am at home with my family! A lovely send off from the amazing hospital staff.

"Emotional reunion with my wife, kids and Labrador. Long road to recovery ahead. Slow and steady. Thanks for all your support! #StayHomeSaveLives."

His discharge comes just under a month after he described his condition as "touch and go" when he was hospitalised at the end of March.

He spent thirteen days in intensive care, after being hospitalised on March 29 following seven days of Covid-19 symptoms, including breathlessness and dizziness.

Mr Dolby's colleagues at the Firearms Operation Unit were updating well wishers on social media on his condition and shared the good news over the Easter holidays that Phil was awake and had been taken off a ventilator.

They also paid tribute to the NHS staff who have cared for him as "simply amazing" and shared Mr Dolby's family's thanks for the support they have received.